84 flhtc valve train noise

[tailgunner]

Hi, I'm new to this site, wish I found it a long time ago

'84 e-glide, s&s stock heads(2500 miles), Andrews cam (was told ?pf47? by previous owner. I can't find it listed), solid push rods

So here's my problem, I've always had the 'normal' engine noise. A few days ago I noticed a tap/slap noise in addition to the normal noise. What bothers me is this noise is intermittent. And it's getting worse. I'll be riding and I'll start to hear an increased tap, very quickly it will get LOUD (other riders can hear it) after a minute or so it goes away.
The 'normal' tap and this noise don't match rhythm. It also decreases with RPM's.
I've pulled the fuel tank so I can get close to the heads, and it sounds as if the noise is from the rear cylinder. Pulled the top and mid rocker covers and can't 'see' anything wrong. Getting oil to top end. Did a compression check, everything is fine. both cylinders match at 115-120.
Thought I'd get some advice before I rip into it w/o direction.
I know there's some knowledgeable people on here.
Thanks in advance.

[Buddy Seat]

tailgunner-

How many miles on the lifters ??

Could be one getting tired, & bout ready to retire...

Andrews cam PF47 ??? EV3, EV13, EV23, EV27, EV46 & etc....
Andrews doesn't use a PF preface code for evos cams

Intermitten problems really do make one scratch their head !!!

[tailgunner]

Not sure how many miles on lifters. bought the bike with 32k, now has 50k miles. Also I don't know if the lifters were replaced with cam or not. All I know about the cam is it's a mild street cam.
Previous owner is now MIA, so I can't get any more info.

While I have the bike on the lift. I figured I'd check on primary chain adjustment. I noticed some peening on the inner links of the primary chain. Checked further and found the shaft extension is eroding into the back face of the compensating sprocket which allowed the primary to scrape the outside face of the alternator. And the adjusting shoe is beat to hell.
I've gotten all the replacement parts but haven't had time to install them yet.
I hope this is the cause of the noise.

I now have a new respect for all you mechanics out there who have to hear about 'noise' complants from customers.

I do have some questions, maybe someone can answer.

1. how much side play is normal on the primary chain after both sprockets are aligined and chain tension is set? I figured if everything is tight the chain shouldn't move side to side much if at all
2. If this fix doesn't solve the noise problem , my next step is lifter, pushrod, cam change. How can you tell if a lifter is going bad, before it fails completely? Which adj. pushrods are better? I want to change the cam (at some point) just so I know for certain what I have.

[tailgunner]

Clarifacation on question 1

How much side play **checked at sprocket**....

Right at first link off the sprocket, i can slide chain in-out +-1/8(visual measure) without much effort.
That just seems like alot to me