Clacking noise and cold engine question

Hello Everyone

I have a question regarding a LOUD clacking noise that has developed in the last few weeks on my 02 GT 4.6l engine. The clacking is loudest when the engine is cold. It is coming from the passenger side valve cover and is readily apparent and even louder if I remove the oil filler cap and listen through the filler hole. I have changed the oil and filter hoping for an easy fix but no dice. I am running Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-30 and a motorcraft filter. At first I thought the clacking might have been from my Kenne bell nose coupler (spyder gear) but everything is O.K. there. The noise is definetly coming from the passenger side valve assembly.

Any advice where to start troubleshooting? I'm thinking hydraulic lash adjusters but have read that the noise that develops from this problem gets worse as the engine gets warmer. Not the case for me. What about timing chain assembly? Again, the noise seems to fade away as the engine warms up and does not get worse with acceleration. Any ideas would be appreciated. I hate driving the car around when it sounds like a POS.

Thanks

After pulling the valve cover (what a pain in the a$$) and firing up the engine, it's pretty apparent that the timing chain is hitting the upper portion of the guide. Looks like I'll need to pull the front of the engine and change out the tensioners and guides.

Does anyone have a link to a good "how to" replace the tensioners and guides. I've googled but no luck.

Thanks

Thanks. I'll start digging into the motor tonight.

Great tip.. Thanks

I'm going to try to take the pictures and post a how to for others. Wish me luck.