Hey guys, I really need some help.
I rebuilt my 97 due to a bottom end knock right about #5-#6 bearings.
New rings, bearings, seals, new injectors, new overflow valve, reground cam and matched tappets.
Got it all back together, did my cam break in and started down the road to set my rings.
Noticed some valvetrain tick so headed home.
Reset valve lash and started her back up. Tick still there.
Rechecked TDC balancer mark, cam pin and injection pump all lined up & double checked #1 by #6 cross over method.
Reset valve lash still have tick.
Isolated it to #1 with a stethoscope.
Pulled the valve covers and started it up and it is #1 intake valve. While running I can put some pressure on the end or the rocker and it stops.
When the head was off I checked all the pushrods, and valves for straightness. All springs still in one piece. Lightly lapped the valves & seats, have good seat depth.
What am I missing?
Please any ideas?

 

Assuming you correctly set valve lash... Adjuster backing off? Cam lobe wearing (possibly due to a mismatched radius between lobe and tappet/lifter)? Who did the cam come from?

 

Thank you for the ideas.
Adjusters were are still tight. Pulled the rocker tower and rocker tips look good. Push rod is straight. No slop in the rockers.
Everything looked fine so I put it all back together, verified valve lash, and ran it. to my surprise the ticking rocker now ticks at the same level as the others. Took it for a drive and still good. I am going to put some more ring break in miles on it and see if it happens again.
Maybe I am just being paranoid on my first Cummins rebuild but I will update with what happens or if I find anything.
Oh and the cam is a Delta Camshaft grind with lifters faced to match the cam.