What does a valve tap sound like? Just a simple rhythmic tapping from the top of the engine? Not loud at all, but noticeable when none of the other accessories are connected.

Just leads me to wonder. I was testing to see if it was indeed my water pump making the bad racket from the front of the engine (it was) and when I had the belt off I started it up and heard the little tap from the top end

Side note: Advance auto parts water pumps = crap. I've had it on for 1.5 years, and the bearing is already got a lot of play it. I bought the new one from there, instead of a reman. I'm going reman next time, cheaper, and if it's only gonna last 1.5 years again, I won't care that I only spent $18 instead of $50 on it

 

Rhythmic dull sounding click noise

 

That sounds about right. What kind of damage does this do in the long run? I have no clue how long it's been doing this, because I can't hear it without all the accessories disconnected

 

Depends whats causing it, or if its actually a valve tap. Exhaust leaks near the manifold can sometimes sound the same. Also how is your oil level?

 

Hope its not an exhaust leak. I was on the driver side, and the header is on the passenger side. Oil is full

 

Lots of carbon buildup will gum up the oil galleys to the head, seals, lifters and valve stems will cause a tap. Maybe run some sea foam through the crank or engine flush might help. But over reeving the engine, bent valves, push rods or defective lifters are other causes.

 

I'll try adding some seafoam before my next oil change, I'm 500 miles away from there. I never over rev this thing or anything of that sort, highest I've ever had it up to was 3600rpm