thanx everyone. i used to run solids back in the '50 and early '60s, but got away from them later on. the promise of low maintenance and noise was my reasoning, i guess. i'm about ready to go back to solids.
i've readjusted the lifters twice, now....even replaced one that i thought was the culprit. no change, d**n! when the engine's cold, sometimes a couple will rattle, then stop after warning up. sometimes, the dang thing will rattle when hot. it runs really well and has plenty of power, but the intermittant rocker arm clatter irritates me. i have checked the oil pressure with two gauges... they both show 30lbs at idle, when hot. i'm using 10W-30 valvoline, after thinking the 5W-30 may have been too thin for the lifters.
glad to hear that i'm not hanging onto too much old technology by going back to solids!
