The 22r/re series engines do not have lifters. The rocker, so common on pushrod engines is often called a "cam follower", as it is a compact overhead cam design. This series of engine has its roots in the relatively crude 1970's, so a completely quiet 22re would a rare animal indeed. The most common noise occurs when soft alloy rocker adjuster tips deform on the contact surface that touches the valvestem. In fact, the greatest problem occurs on THE INTAKE SIDE OF CYLINDERS #2, AND #3! This is because plastic rocker shaft spacers are used ONLY on these locations, and they will wear into the side of the rockers, causing mis-alignment.

Toyota offers metal spacer rings that will retrofit with these 2 worn rockers (you only need two, and they can be replaced on a completely assembled engine!!), at a cost of $5 each. Adjuster tips are $4 each from the dealer (DO NOT TRUST ANY BUT THE FACTORY PIECE OF THIS ALLOY CRITICAL PART). You will probably not need all eight. A smooth hourglass shaped wearmark on the contact face of the tips is completely normal. A boogered and hammered surface is not.

Important link (BOOKMARK ME!):

http://www.wheelingadventures.com/Tech/Fixs.htm

These spacers work great! DO NOT be alarmed if you see all the rockers offset a little to side of the valvestems. This is normal, and is probably there to put a small amount of spin on the valvestems to greatly increase life of the valveseats.