4.6l Rocker Arm/Follower Noise

[Number4]

I replaced my '04's chain guides and tensioners 6 or so months ago. Passenger side tensioner wasn't holding pressure over night and caused the rattle at cold start up (chain was hitting on the crank position sensor wheel/crank trigger wheel/Ignition Pulsator Ring.) All went well.

Now, under acceleration it seems I hear a little clatter, like valve clatter. Almost indicative of the '94's ping under load but not as loud.

Don't know if I'm just being hyper-sensitive or if I need to pop off the valve covers and replace the rocker arms/followers. Do they just wear out? Maybe just have a bad one.

My oil was clean and there wasn't anything broken during the timing repair. Never had anything in the oil and the engine itself inside was spotless no gunk build up.

Seems pretty easy to replace, according to this video. Video is for DOHC, SOHC shouldn't be different in this aspect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbqKWzhpsHQ

I'd called Ford Racing when doing the timing over concerns of holding the cams, the guy had mentioned he just uses a screw driver to pop out the followers. I have to imagine this video is basically what he was talking about.

Remove valve covers, rotate lobe up, remove and reinstall new follower?

Or just drive it. Also found some nasty threads about busted followers and the carnage that ensues.

 

[Limited02]

No idea, but mine has a chatter on startup (I can't hear it because I'm hard of hearing) and my wife says it's going to die soon. I've got just over 203,000 miles and it's still purring (or chattering for all I know) like a champ, but I'm tempted to change out the chain and guides. Trying hard to talk myself into getting rid of it and get something newer.