Can definately see the wear.

The tip lools a little wore, could explain why it loosens up even without starting the engine.

 

Well, I changed the rocker arm, and adjusted it while the car was running. It had stopped the ticking for a few seconds when I adjusted it. But then it came back with a completely different pitch and sounded like metal was grinding/squeaking, with kind of a different pitch. Stuck lifter possibly?

 

How did you adjust the valve lash with the car running? Valve lash should be adjusted while the heads are cold and the valve you are adjusting fully closed without ANY pressure on it from the cam.

 

Well, I tightened the bolt back down. Please explain how to adjust the lash. Does this sound like it could be a stuck lifter? I will make a video of the new pitch in a few.