to describe the sound in more detail, it sounds more like horses galloping. are the valves lashing too far, will adjustment solve this problem, or will i have to have the pistons shaved.

also i forgot to mention that when i clean ALL the parts with engine degreaser, i rinsed them with water according to the directions.... this includes the oil pump.. i did towel dry all the parts and let them sit out in the sun for a few hours before assembly and i also used compressed air to blow any remaining water out. i didnt take apart the oil pump to see the gear condition, so i didnt think to use any type of lube or petroleum jelly (figured if it worked before, it should work now) will i have to disassemble the block and pack the pump to prime it, or will this problem eventually correct itself.. i know on older fords that no matter how long ya waited, it would never throw oil til ya lubed it, but i dont know squat about imports. if it isnt self correcting, can the pump be primed rather easily while in the car?

if it is valve tick.... what do i need to do to correct this problem? keep in mind, time and money are very limited.

also, you say to use a oil pressure gauge... am i correct to assume that i unplug the oil pressure sending unit and attach it to there, if not, where exactly does it go... never used one before. compression tester i know, most other tools i know, but i never really had to do my own diagnostics using alot of specialty tools and whatnot.

thanks again for your time and knowledge.