Steve:

Yesterday with temperature a bit over 60 degrees F, the engine didn't oblige in making any unusual racket. Today it was closer to 40 degrees F out. After removing the valve cover I could see pools of oil around the opening for each push rod.

A carboard house was fabbed to hold over the open valve train and the car was started. The noise was back but there was nothing obviously amiss with the valve action or oiling. There were a few dozen small spatters of oil on the carboard after running the engine for a couple of minutes but no where near the mess I was expecting.

Out came the broomstick stethescope next. There were interesting noises transmitted from any part of the running engine no matter where the stick was placed. It was kind of like placing your ear on someone else's stomach and hearing a strange and hidden language. None of the noises appeared to match the pitch or timing of the start up rap a tap.

The area closest to the note of concern was at the timing cover. Most likely the replaced fiber gear has been the culprit all along. Either it was already old and brittle when I put it in or it was not installed properly.

Thanks for everyones assistance.

Happy motoring,

Joe M in WV