Pontiac Repair: clacking noise in crankcase: maybe pushrod/rockerarm adjustment neede, valve train, crankcase

Question
why when i crank up the car, you here this clacking noise in the crankcase, seems like the rockerarm is out of adjustment and how much does it cost for a mechanic to remove the valve cover and check this noise?

Answer
Hi Calvin:

it's hard to say.. If it's a clatter type noise it's more than likely valve train related like you thought. It depends on what engine is in the car and what model car this is but I would say the you would be looking at maybe 3 hours of diagnosis time at what ever their labor rate is. That's just to look at it then what ever the cause is add that to the cost.