1990 3.1 noisy valves

[cleson]

First off, I'm a newbie, and I have to say this is a great site.

I have a 1990 z-24 3.1L with 210,000 kms. The valves were making a little noise before, but I didn't concern myself with it Then one day, they started getting very noisy. My dad is a mechanic, and told me he didn't think anything was broken. It sounded like all the valves were making noise.
The car runs very well, and doesn't seem to be missing. The noise is definately top end. I thought it could be the timing chain slipped, but it performs too nicely for me to think that is the problem. If you have some insight for me, it would be greatly appreciated.

[geoffinbc]

Probabally just the lifters. What kind of oil pressure are you getting? Is it only at idle or all the time?

New lifters will likely solve the problem. I would do the timing chain at the same time.

[cleson]

The oil pressure was slightly low. I pulled the valve cover off the front, and it appears to be getting enough oil.

This loud tapping happens all of the time. During idle, and accelerating. I used a screwdriver to listen and try to locate the source of the noise, but couldn't find an exact location. I ran ATF through it for about an hour. 1 quart in with the oil, hoping it was a sticky lifter, then changed the oil to 15w40. (High detergent and heavier for oil pressure) Nothing has helped.

You know anyone who wants a decent z-24 for $500.00? Haha

[gpse3400]

I'd check your spark plugs make sure they are tight. A loose one WILL sound like a valvetrain problem and the car WILL perfom as if nothing is wrong....