valve train question???
 

How can you tell if my valve train is going down hill?? I dont want to pull the covers off right now but i was wondering if there are any signs to let me know like hearing a pinging sound.it does not burn any oil! At idol i can here tick..tick.tick.. but not quit like a lifter would sound if it were going bad. i pope the hood and the sound really does not seem like it is coming from the tappet cover,it sounds like it is more on the under side of the car like right from the oil pan area. what could this be. I know it is not exhaust cause i just got it all replaced
thanks for any help!!!!