Okay, here is the issue. After the inner tensioner wore down to the metal frame I pulled everything apart. Due to some wear on the cam plate and oil pump I decided to replace both with the upgraded SE billet plate and new style pump. I also decided to go with gear drive to do away with the tensioners all together so I added HQ 0034 cams. I kept the stock push rods due to the bolt in nature of the cams. The install went well with the only exception being the install of some new HD "b" lifters. After I fired everything up I had some wicked lifter and head noise. The original lifters went back in and things got quieter. Here is were mu issue is.

I have pulled the rocker covers a bunch of times chasing a top end tick. Things seem okay but get worse as the engine warms up. I have tried re-aligning the rockers as suggested by a few by using the oil pump alignment pins but that didn't work becasue the threads on the pins aren't long enough. I did not have this noise before the tear down. Anyone have any other suggestions? I don't want to keep throwing money at it chasing this. I guess adjustable push rods are next. This is driving me crazy!!!

Thanks guys,

Neil
RDMC

 

I would have used the adjustable pushrods before hand. Curious, I used the lifter block alignment dowels on rocker box with out issue. They are snug, you do not need to over tighten them. Did you bleed the lifters before install? Did you use the starter to turn the bike over without plugs and fuel pump running? To me you are not in the "sweet" spot of the lifters, oh how I know this!!! Get adjustables and go from there. It will take a little time on your first try, be patient and you will be aok.

 

I agree on the adjustables. Installed Andrews 26H in my '07 and did the SE Adjustables with a new set of lifters. Installed them per the instructions to 2 1/2 turns and had a really loud tick at about 2500 rpm. Turned them another 1/4 turn and it's back to the "normal" sewing machine tick before I did the swap. Might quiet it more with another 1/4 turn, but don't want to get too much preload on the lifters. Good luck with yours.