Medium noisy ticking/tapping/rattling engine?

[B5 Gang]

So long story short, I had my shop replace a bad Head Gasket, but after installation the mechanic said there was that tapping noise coming from engine and if I ever heard it before. I believe there was not before the Head Gasket work. He said it could be from low oil pressure, maybe sludge in oil pan screen...there was lots of "mayonnaise" under engine cap (coolant+oil) prior. But why did it start after my mechanics work? I'm really hoping it's just sticky lifters that need some Slick 50 but anyone else ever come across my situation? Any help would really be great fam. Thanks.

[NickW3]

So long story short, I had my shop replace a bad Head Gasket, but after installation the mechanic said there was that tapping noise coming from engine and if I ever heard it before. I believe there was not before the Head Gasket work. He said it could be from low oil pressure, maybe sludge in oil pan screen...there was lots of "mayonnaise" under engine cap (coolant+oil) prior. But why did it start after my mechanics work? I'm really hoping it's just sticky lifters that need some Slick 50 but anyone else ever come across my situation? Any help would really be great fam. Thanks.

is it a constant tick coming from the back of the valve cover? ticking no matter warm or cold engine?

[RENOxDECEPTION]

like this?

[B5 Gang]

No not at all, it's more like a rattle noise from the engine. But when I go above 1800 RPMS, the rattle disappears completely. Basically only when idle do you hear the engine rattle/tick/tap.

Yes either Warm or cold, louder on start up, and not constant as it goes away at higher rpms.

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Would you say it's a minor case of the above video? Because that video is quite severe with same symptoms

[B5 Gang]

It's definitely minor as none of the cars functions are compromised. But the ticking on the video seems way more constant and louder. I guess like an extreme version of mine maybe

[B5 Gang]

Mine sounds more like a rattle though not a tick tick tick. It's not that loud. I will post video soon

[B5 Gang]

https://youtu.be/taygH0oV3bc

This is a cold start up.

[NickW3]

definitely sounds like the above video (bad cct.) They all sound a little different because some are worse than others, but it definitely seems like a bad cct to me; just like every other 1.8 has lol, especially because of from where it seems the noise is coming from (the back of the valve cover.)

[LA4]

definitely sounds like the above video (bad cct.) They all sound a little different because some are worse than others, but it definitely seems like a bad cct to me; just like every other 1.8 has lol, especially because of from where it seems the noise is coming from (the back of the valve cover.)

x2

[B5 Gang]

But it didn't even make that noise till after my Head Gasket fix. Does that mean it could be on wrong?

[B5 Gang]

Update: it was actually a Timing belt tensioner issue. Timing belt was basically so loose they didn't know how it didn't fling off...but fixed nonetheless, she's great now

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Awesome! Good reporting back.