I don't know if I'd say valve clatter is normal, but neither would I say it's something that could be fixed easily. With the solid lifters on some old cars, you could adjust valve lash, but hydraulic lifters have pretty much eliminated that chore. If a hydraulic lifter is leaking, that can cause excessive lash, especially on cold starts, when you'll hear some tappet noise. Not much to do about it other than tear down the engine and check and replace the lifters.
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Monday, August 11th, 2008 AT 9:47 PM