I have only 110 hours on the motor. The starboard engine purrs like a kitty. It ran fine the last time out a couple months ago. I always run Mobil 1 and change my oil often. Any ideas. I do have to change my valve covers (They're starting to rust a bit) so I can inspect it then but for the mean time I'm going to flush the engine with some pre -oil change flush and change the oil. Any ideas on why and what to do without physically inspecting the lifter or changing the push rod.

And wheres the best price on aluminum valve covers.

I just heard it today when I fired it up in the yard. Its slightly intermitent which means its clicking misses a beat after a few seconds then starts right back up. I only ran it for about 5 minuts but it was getting quieter with tim and temperature. I was thinking on just taking the valve cover off and pulling the rod out for inspection but thought I might get away with a chemical solution to save me from getting my hands dirty.

No need use an engine flush. Depending on how long you've been using Mobil 1 it's already cleaned out. As I found on my old truck when switching to Mobil 1 it cleaned (flushed) all deposits out of the engine.
Sounds more like you have a bad lifter.

Or a cam lobe going away. Cut your oil filter open and look for metal.

BT

I think you should try running the boat more often than every six months!

Seriously, I just read this somewhere and have no first hand knowledge, but someone said that synthetic doesn't prevent corrosion like natural oil. I'm betting stuck or collapsed lifter.

I think your right Cuda, time to get off my ass get out on the water. I fired it up again today for about 15minutes and its almost gone. You have to really stick your head in the engine compartment and listen good. Its very faint and intermitent. I think I need to get out there with an oil change and kick the **** out of them. Do you think its trying to tell me something???

Your boat is pissed at you for neglecting it, remember, that's why boats are named after women.

Say no more. You get your electrical problem fixed and wat was it.

Turned out a rebuilt starter I bought had a short in it. I was assuming that it couldn't be the starter.