GCC Help Identifying Ticking Noise – 1989 FJ62 GCC Spec 3F Carb Engine (Video Attached) (1 Viewer)

[FlightRisk973]

Hey folks,

I'm currently tackling my first-ever engine refurb on my 1989 FJ62 Land Cruiser (GCC Spec) with the 3F carbureted engine — and I’ve hit a bit of a mystery.

I’ve noticed a metallic ticking noise from the engine, and I’m hoping someone here might help me narrow it down.
Pouring over the entire forum for information, I cannot seem to find my issue specific to my vehicle.
Here’s a short video clip capturing the sound:


What I’ve done so far:

• Adjusted the valves (As Best I Can)
• Checked for main bearing slop/play (No Slop found)
• Replaced the head gasket, manifold gasket, and oil pan gasket
• "Rebuilt" The carb, but still tuning it.
• Running fresh oil and a mostly rebuilt cooling system
• New Spark Plugs (NGK (1233) BPR5EY)
• Adjusted Timing to where the engine sounds happiest

The ticking increases with RPM and doesn’t quite sound like detonation or a rod knock (at least to my untrained ear). Might be valvetrain related? Or exhaust leak?

Also worth mentioning — I'm doing this all DIY in a parking lot with minimal tools and no garage, so any ideas I can check with basic tools are especially appreciated.

Really appreciate the time and any insight you all can share. This forum has already been a goldmine while I stumble my way through this project.

Thanks,

 

[OSS]

While the engine is idling (slow), slide a .008mm feeler gauge between the rocker arm and the valve stem. Yes its jumping up and down but its easy to do. Note if the ticking sound changes when you do that to every valve. If the sound goes away or improves when the feeler is in there , the sound is excessive valve lash. Adjust it.

The ticking sound in your video sounds like excessive valve lash to me. Too loose