I've imported one of these engine here in US and it took just about one year to get it. Just recently finished it and passed California emissions test with flying colors.However since first start up started to make a loud ticking noise what sounds like hydraulic valve lifter. I drove it for some time hopping it just neede air to bleed out of it which did not help. I ran cleaner in engine oil followed by oil change and ticking noise is still present.
This weekend I used my statoscope and ticking is coming from intake side cylinder number three. I removed intake camshaft to inspect oil passages hoping no debris got stuck when I removed covers and brackets for powder coating but everything looked good. I swapped lifters from cylinder number one too number three.No scoring or metal shavings anywhere,oil looks great,no metal flakes in oil filter and no blocked oil passages inside cylinder head. Compression test was good,engine sounds great,drivability is great with out any mistfires or backfires. This morning I had it running and ticking noise is still present on cylinder numer three.
Any ideas guys? Anyone ran in to this issue before?
Thanks in advance.
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