tick, yep, again, another

[0x00]

It turns out that the 'feet' on the bottom of spring damper shroud break off, allowing the shroud to work it's way up.

 

[0x00]

Replaced over weekend with Melling USA boxed parts. They look identical, same paint stripe and same last 4 digits of part number (1450), new shrouded design.
The latest Melling replacement listed is VS2490 (no shrouds) but I couldn't obtain them quickly. If the VS1450 fail like their predecessors, I'll return to AZ and get the 2490 from RA and do it all a third time.
There are now 80 total minus 31 still attached minus 34 found loose in heads = 15 'new hemi spring style shroud tabs' in the oil pan. We'll see how many I can get out when I change the oil before next winter (usually November). Melling tech support was helpful trying to find me the latest offering in Denver (no stock) but hasn't yet answered 'how likely are these vs1450 to fail just like the EngineWreck parts?'

 

[PaleFlyer]

It sounds more like a lifter. If you have a stethoscope (you can get a cheap one at Harbor Freight) place the probe on the engine block just under the head and manifold. Move the probe around until the ticking is the loudest. This will give you an idea of which bank and cylinder to focus on. If you can remove the valve cover, have someone crank the engine over while you watch the rocker arm movement on the suspect cylinder. If you notice a significant difference in rocker arm motion relative the other rocker arms, you are probably looking at 1 of 4 possible issues.
1) Broken valve spring
2) Bent push rod or broken rocker arm
3) Collapsed lifter or damaged roller on the lifter.
4) damaged lob on the cam

No's 1 & 2 can be repaired with engine intact.
No's 3 & 4 will require removing the heads and replacing the cam and lifter(s)

How do you change springs without removing the heads? I can't even do this on my v-twin 20hp Kohler riding mower.

 

[jws123]

How do you change springs without removing the heads? I can't even do this on my v-twin 20hp Kohler riding mower.

comrpessed air into the cylinder so your able to push the spring down and valve stays in place then you just need the correct spring compressor.

 

[Wild one]

How do you change springs without removing the heads? I can't even do this on my v-twin 20hp Kohler riding mower.

If you don't have access to a air compressor,you can also turn the piston to the bottom,and feed a bunch of thin nylon rope into cylinder,then rotate the piston back up till it jams against the rope,and that'll hold the valves in place