I'd call it 6 one way half a dozen the other. To make your final decision on whether to replace it or not, consider if there is anything else needing to be done that could easily be done while the lifter is being changed. Things that come to mind are... service exhaust manifolds (should be done ~ every 3 yrs) rebuild distributor/tuneup, rebuild carb., fix any oil leaks in intake, exhaust or valve covers, so on. If you can reap some other additional benefit it will make the decision a no brainer. If you cannot find anything else needing attention in the top end, and if that tick won't anoy you, leave it be. It won't hurt anything as long as it stays pumped up reasonably well.

BT

I'd check the poly locks & rockers, if that isn't it I would replace the lifters and be done with it.

Waiting makes sense but you or I for that matter may not feel comfortable. The viscosity of the oil (thick or thin, hot or cold) is an indicator of worn parts if noise is heard when hot and not cold.
Can you check them yourself? Greg

To truly check, Ive got to pull the intake. Given my spot on the learning curve, I'd have my mechanic do it and watch.

After reading these posts, and you were all helpful btw, prehaps what I can and should wait a few outings and see if this is a trend before diving in and fixing one lifter right away.

Thinking about it more, when we built the engine we used the stock chevy 502 valve covers, (looks great with the polished intake), but I had clearance problems after a few hours with the cover and what I think may be the rocker belonging to same lifter. Fixed the clearance problem with a dremel, but now I think that the experience may have loosened things(?).

Crane hydraulic lifters are on a six week back order

You can loose oil preasure from a bad lifter. So keep your eye on your guage. Everyone on the board says 10 pounds per thousand RPM MIN.

Jon

Usually my pressure usually never drops below 40-42 even when pretty hot However, coming off a fast run last weekend It was hitting 38. Probably the lifter then. I'll keep an eye out.

Must be a spring run on Crane parts. All the boats and 'rods coming out of their garages. Looks like I'd have to wait anyway.

You did not mention that you had clearance problems earlier. This could be a problem . If you forced the dome cover down and did bend the stud that holds the push rod and rocker you may have caused a mislalignment problem between the rocker arm and the stud in the head. There is some forgiveness there but maybe you bent it when you were playing around before you did the dremel thing.
Stay on it!

If you know which lifter/rocker combo is noisey try removing the rocker and check to make sure that the stud hasn't come loose. Infact I would back the stud out and check to make sure it's straight and if so add a touch of loc-tight and reinstall making sure you torque it down to specs. Then re-install the rocker and adjust to proper preload.
If that doesn't work, replace the lifters.
I have run several CompCams cams, lifters & rockers with great results. I would call Comp directly and try a set of Comp roller lifters! The tech guys will tell you the right ones to use with your motor & cam setup.

If it was a bent vs. loose situation, would the new, cool, thicker oil have solved the problem for the short time it did?

I'll stay on it.

Tom, Thanks for the adjustment tip. I'll try that before pulling the intake.