just done the head gaskets on my ej25 and she has what sounds like lifter tick on the left bank only. because i didn't have the shims to properly adjust the tappets i set them as close to spec as i could but they were a Little looser than spec. I didn't think they would make this much noise. ( even the wife commented)
The thing is the sound seems to be coming from the head gasket area rather than the rocker covers

Can i adjust the lifters in the car and do i have to pull the timing belt off to do this or is there some real neat trick? (i really want the neat trick option)
if it's not the tappets are there any other ideas? I don't think it's piston slap because it had none before the work?
Now where is that 6mm bolt i lost??? LOL
(as a Qantas pilot once described it, it sounds like a midget in the engine with a hammer)
Any help is appreciated