please help

[richlover27]

as i was replacing the intake gasket on my 1998 lumina,i took out the vavle lifters and clean them off real good.i notice one of the rocker arms wasn`t tight and when i replace the rocker arm i tighten it tight as it could get,but there was still play in the rocker arm.so i thought maybe it will tighten itself .i started it up after i finish my work,and its still making that ticking sound.i drove it around for a while and its still doing it.can someone tell me whats the problem.its not the normal tapping sound that the 3.1 engine make thanks in advance

[thecommi]

when you tightend the rocker arm..... did you follow factory torque specs? i believe its someware in the range of 7ft pounds. if you over tighten them or under tighten them they will tick. also make sure you prime the lifters before you put them back in.

[richlover27]

thanks for your reply,but now my car is knocking along with ticking.what have i done.is my motor shot now.

[Chebyman]

Did you make sure you didn't get the push rods out of order? the Exhaust pushrods are longer than the Intake. The 3.1,3.4, & 3.8 v6's have no valve adjustment. you torque the rocker nut to 18 ftlbs and then the valves adjust thru the compression of the lifters. Also make sure you put a little moly grease on the end of the valve stem and lube the lifter bores. I have always had good luck with lifters by pouring a quart of oil over the top before sealing it all up. as far as the knock Hopefully you didn't put a long push rod where a short one goes it would put alot of pressure on the cam and may cause the bearings to go out.