ticking noise

[dsmuts]

none of them were loose and I started it when I the valve cover was off and it didnt sound like it was coming from there

It would be hard for a lifter to be loose since it sits between the cam and pushrods.

 

[Nighthwk12]

Change your oil and check to see if it is sparkly.

 

[Eric Whitter]

I just got the lower intake manifold off today how can I tell if the balance shaft bearings are bad or not and what else should I check when I have it apart

 

[dsmuts]

You could just replace your lifters since you have it all torn down anyway.

 

[mskram1]

I just got the lower intake manifold off today how can I tell if the balance shaft bearings are bad or not and what else should I check when I have it apart

try to move it and see if theres play in any direction

 

[Eric Whitter]

it moves back and forth and side to side a little bit

 

[mskram1]

then thats probably your tick...you can either live with itlike me, remove the sprocket, remove the shaft and plug the oil holes or have the bearings replaced... the last 2 require the engine to be out of the car