Rockers/Push rod question

[Jeanda]

...Lately on start-up I've noticed a ticking sound around/in my rocker-cover. My car would idle rough until the engine warmed up(after driving awhile). Then I would'nt hear it anymore.
...Now I have her in the garage and started opening her up. I got to the covers and noticed one of the long washers was missing.
Q.1) Would this lead to the failure of
the gasket?
Q.2) Should the rockers and/or the
push rods give any(side-to-side)
motion play?
Q.3) If "no", Is this prob. a simple
tightening of my rocker-arms?

[viper98885]

If you have your valve covers off, it is VERY simple to check and readjust your valve lash. I would suggest doing this.

Also, many people with these symptoms find that it is their EGR valve and it is pretty much normal on a high mileage unit.

[oil pan 4]

Sounds like a good reason to get a new engine.
The rockers are easy to ajust.
What engine is it? 3800 I'm guessing.

[T-Punk]

nope, its a 94 l32. 3.4 (i looked in their profile ;) )

[oil pan 4]

My favroit engine