WTF? Clicking, clacking after turning cold engine by hand?

Boss 351

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Jul 13, 2003
2,433
23
48
Canada
My 302 wouldn't start, it burnt two starters (1000amp battery). I turn the cold engine with a ratchet maybe one revolution and the top of the engine starts making those clicking noises after I finish turning the crank.

I took off the intake to check the pushrods and lifters. Nothing is bent but I remember the timing chain being loose. I took out a lifter but it seems to be okay. I think maybe my timing chain is so loose that the cam will turn a little causing the lifters and valve springs to settle? Also the spark isn't at the right place causing the engine to be hard to start.

I think a new cam, timing chain/gears, lifters, and maybe even some new valve springs are in order to get this engine running again. Ever seen such a problem?