Exhaust leak?
Stuck lifter which yes, you need to worry about
Oil pump going out
Slipped sleeve

These are the possibilities I explored diagnosing the tick. Turned out being slipped sleeve in mine.

 

Try the heavier oil and see what happens. If it stops, it was likely the valve train.

 

Fun new twist, it stopped this morning...

 

This is common for the valve train, valve lifters/rocker arms, on these engines, once they get worn ever so slightly. Such ticking is decreased when running somewhat heavier viscosity oils, but when the ticking becomes too obvious, it is trying to tell you that wear of cam shaft, lifters, rocker arms, should be tended to, with new parts replacing the worn ones. You installed new parts in lower end of engine, maybe it is getting close to the time when you should do the same with the upper end of engine. I have seen this sort of ticking sound from all the Rover engines, from the 3.5 litre through to the 4.6 litre; know how common it becomes, once wear takes place.

 

The oil thins when it is warm. That tells you it is some wear item.

 

I hope he has this issue fixed after 2 years and 6 months. Not trying to be a smart ***. D*

 

Awe damn. Hahahaha. Yeah, let's hope. He may be stranded somewhere though, in need of rescue!

 

how is it that you consistently respond to posts that are buried in the middle of the archive, Charles????

 

surely you weren't search "ticking sound."
you could do your own write-up/testimonial on that subject





VOTE TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT!!


(seriously, though. D2 subforum is lacking a sticky in regard to rebuild guidelines. people are still losing the valve-cover gasket dowels in every part of the top end, using RTV on everything, neglecting the pump gears when replacing the timing chain/gears, etc..)

 

Hahahaha. I don't know. I look at latest posts. I think my phone is somehow screwing me. I am sure it is! But no, mine is parked. It isn't ticking or making any sounds except maybe a little whimper.