I thought I had some valvetrain or lifter noise last year, but it turned to be an exhaust header gasket leak. Granted I was using the header gaskets that came with the Kooks headers which I put on years ago. i didn't realize at the time the factory ones were best. So I replaced them with factory gaskets.
It would kinda suck if I did all this and it's just a header gasket leak, lol.
Not really. Think of it as future proofing the engine.
I have similar noise. Now in process of replacing timing chains, guides, tensioners, phasers, rockers & lifters. It would kinda suck if I did all this and it's just a header gasket leak, lol.
Exhaust leak wouldn't be coming from the valve covers. i assume you actually put something to the valve covers then to your ear?