Can 'thin' oil cause a valve to tick?

[rakkasan]

Had my head rebuilt 3k miles ago while reparing a BHG. Now I have a ticking valve. I wasn't there after rebuilding the head, it just started the last few hundred miles. Also, it doesn't tick when the motor is cold, only after the motor is hot. Is 10W30 oil too thin?

Note: switching to 15W50 on th next change.

 

[supra90turbo]

i would suggest running thicker than 10w30 anyway...
i believe that's probably your problem. if not.. shim

buuuut... my money's on oil

 

[Boostedstr8six]

Oil plus maybe you lost a little too much clearance as a freshly ground valve settled into the freshly ground seat. It wouldn't be a bad idea to check your cam to shim clearances but it's probably not necessary.

 

[GrimJack]

Betcha the valve just managed to seat a little more - this is usual. Did you set the clearance a little loose after the rebuild? I always do, based on the idea that the valves will seat a little and the clearance will tighten into spec.

 

[GrimJack]

I've been corrected by IJ (kindly, in a PM) - who pointed out that a valve seating would make LESS noise, not more.

I have no idea how I managed to neglect that little detail. I'll blame lack of sleep... ya, that's it, lack of sleep.