🚀 go-pugleaf

Okay, technical question #1:

I've got what I thought was excessive valve noise in my 1972 MGB.
The noise varies a bit with revs.  It quiets down while accelerating,
but gets quite loud while revving down to idle from anything over
1800 rpm.  It's kind of a clakety sort of noise, and seems to
be coming from the top end of the engine.
I just replaced the rocker arm shaft because the old one
was badly worn, making it difficult to set the valves.
I did a complete rebuild (except the original rocker shaft)
a few years back, so I don't suspect the rod bearings,
although I have overheated a few times.
In spite of the overheating, the old rocker shaft was still clean,
i.e. no evidence of oil varnishing from the heat.

After installing the new rocker shaft, and setting the valves,
the noise went away.... until I had driven half way around the
block.  It's a little quieter, but still there.

Ok, who's seen this before?
Do I just need to learn to set my valve properly?
(I've been setting them cold (.015") for convenience,
would I be better off setting them hot?)
Or, have I got something silly like a stuck timing chain
idler?  (This was replaced at the overhaul.)

And, while I'm at it, has anyone got advice for
replacing the shocks?  (For the non_British_car types,
the MGB has lever action shocks, the front units being
part of the suspension.)  I just hear a rumor
of $45 each for new units; I've seen prices listed
as high as 2/$190 front and 2/$160 rear.
I'm told the original Armstrongs aren't worth the cost.
Any suggestions?

Jonathan E. Quist
ihnp4!laidbak!jeq