Valve (I think?) Ticking after Head Gasket Replacement

[stafebak]

I tried searching but wasn't able to turn up anything. My best guess is the valves are coming in contact with the pistons. Anyways...here's the explanation.

I timed everything according to the wiki/beergarage after replacing the head gasket on my bike.  I reinstalled everything how I found it...however, now when I got to start it, there is a metallic clicking that is rhythmic.  I took the valve cover off to see what was going on under there, and each time a lobe on either cam pushes down 1 of any of the 4 valve tops (not sure what they're called, the little caps that go over the valves?) and it comes back up is when I hear the ticking.  I could maybe get a video with my phone if you would like, but I'm hoping someone has had this happen, or knows what's going on? I did get the head decked as the surface was marred.

Thanks!

[Dizzledan]

How much did they take off when they decked it?

If it's a soft clicky ticking, that's a normal noise for in-spec valves and floating cams. Should not increase in volume when it's revved.

Get a vid of the bike cold, and one warm for comparison.

Got the right spark plugs not cranked too tight?

[stafebak]

I lost the paper, I told them as minimal as they could of course, and the guy said they barely had to take anything off...It's a reputable shop around here, so I trust their word I guess.

It's a loud clicking, I haven't started the bike as I am afraid to damage something.  I just crank it a little bit by bit.  So it would be cold starts.  Still using the same spark plugs at the same torque that the bike used to be running on.  I'll get a vid tomorrow, bike is at my rents.

[Funderb]

try replacing your header gaskets, or just re-toquing the exhaust manifold. i had a similar problem once, i just tightened up the headers again more carefully and it was gone. Could be an exhaust leak.

I'm not sure if it starts, your post didn't specify.

other than that, if you can turn it over by hand, the piston probably isnt hitting the valves. good luck bud

[Paulcet]

other than that, if you can turn it over by hand, the piston probably isnt hitting the valves. good luck bud

^^^^^ This. Turn by hand only until you confirm that there is no damage or out of time issues!