It is definitely A lifter clip! I have seen this many times on early Chevy engines and on one Ls1 that was severely over-revved due to missed shift. If the valve spring is broken or weak, this can happen.

 

Right here

I found this on top of the #7 intake lifter after pulling the rocker arms and pushrods. With the lifter retainers you can't see much down the pushrod hole. I stuck a long screwdriver down each hole to hame sure the lifters were all seated. Then I stuck my pen magnet down each one to feel for a loose top and bingo.

Well, at least now I know what that noise that sounded like a bad lifter was.

Now for a little history: I had an issue with the driver's side head when I first installed the motor. https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...ghlight=vacuumThe #1 and #7 intake runners broke out of the head w/ the rocker arms attached. The place I bought the head from warranteed it and cut me a new one. I asked around and apparently that can happen due to a thin casting or a shift in the casting. Everything's been running fine since, except for that ticking. I should have pulled the lifter tray when I swapped the head, but everything looked fine and I never would have guessed this. Guess I'll be pulling the head again.

 

thank god no other damage was done, i hope it all goes well

 

what did it sound like?

 

tapping like a bad lifter or a little like an exhaust leak. It really wasn't too bad. I guess the lifter retainer and spring pressure held it together.

 

still drove you nuts.

 

I was going to say it was a lifter clip also........but found this thread to late. I have the same GMPP (high performance light weight LS7 lifters). That is scary!!!! Glad to see no other damage was done.....

James

 

I don't think you could blame it on the lifter. The head actually came apart and the rocker arm came out with the chunk of the head it was bolted to. I was at the coast for memorial day when it happened. I had to tow my boat home 300mi on 6 cylinders. That's probably what killed the lifter.

 

I didn't blame the lifter. I was just stating that I have the same lifters as you. Or are you just saying that "I don't think you could blame it on the lifter" just I don't get worried??? Maybe I just took it the wrong way......if so, my bad.

James

 

Did it run ok other than the ticking sound? thats just crazy....