I’ve done some research here, seems like they should have a bit of preload on them when unloaded, right?
I don’t see any shims or spacers under the rocker shaft mounts. I imagine the pushrods are just not the correct match for the lifters and stock rockers.

That video with the Rhodes lifter sounds pretty much like my engine at idle but I kinda don’t think that’s the issue.

Thanks again. Keep the ideas coming.

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But rhoads or other fast bleed lifters do just that bleed the pre load off right away. If you rev it up and ticking goes away that's the way they work. If it continues and even gets louder look to pre load problem.