Lifter noise vs cracked manifold noise

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and insight. Several of you are correct in assuming that I’m not anxious to search down a manifold leak through the myriad of blood-extracting clutter surrounding the engine, particularly surrounding the driver’s side manifold. I’ll try using a long tube like DSDP Don suggested and also feel around the manifold while the engine’s still running cold.

FWIW, I’ve been house-sitting a good friends beautiful and spacious Houston home for the past few weeks while he and his wife visit friends and family up north. I almost find it hard to believe myself, but I’m beginning to miss the simplicity of my life in my home-on-wheels and am looking forwards to moving back into it. I must be a die-hard full timer at heart!

Steve