Could it be a bad spring?

[Thad]

I replaced them because they had big chunks taken out like they were put through grinding wheel torture or something. they might have been ok dimensionally but didn't want to take the chance.
See what's been happening is that i've been getting this loud tapping noise on the drivers side of the engine and can't figure out what it is. i've replaced the lifters and adjusted the rockers several times to try and eliminate it but nothing has worked. during the lifter replacement i noticed the damage on the two rockers. i just replaced the rockers this past weekend and noticed more damage on one of the rockers i replaced which is the wear around the pushrod seat. i adjusted the rockers 1/2 turn passed 0 lash. there's no wear on the pushrods and they're straight. rocker studs are nice and solid, none have backed out. pushrod guide plates are good, no un-allowable play. i took the car to a persons this morning and he suggested a bad valve guide, maybe a lazy or cracked spring and could also be a valve seat that has popped off and tapping around. I just don't know!! i'm thinking of just bitting the bullet and having the heads completely reworked.
Oh and i've also replaced both header gaskets.

i think i'm losing my mind!!