thanks for chiming in guys... yeah, it really doesnt sound like something hitting plastic, more like metal to metal, so im guessing it is just the lash adjustor... that is a relief, already had to do the timing 'belt' (thanks taro)once and dont want to have to go thru that again... i am gonna try my m1 this weekend and thanks for the heads up, ill be patient with it... im gonna do the seafoam method too, since it seems to be the miracle cure... happy trails fellas... anyone else wanna explain the tick sound, location, etc? please jump in.... thanks again, chris

side note: anyone know of any wheeling get-togethers in the st.louis, mid-missouri area, let me know? i am making summer plans