Grinding, " diesel " noise under valve covers

I don't know a pimple on a bugs butt, compared to most Y'all. And I'm slow, when it matters. It takes me a Long Time to do some stuff on my car. Cause I want it Done Right, the First Time! I can't afford to do it twice, nor to I want to. So I do my Best to double check ✔ procedures. Man, I even use a torque wrench on tie rod ends! 45# , 20 # on sleeves? I dunno, I'll check the book. But yes. After looking at the pic, seems they are located correctly. And I don't ever recall spacers between em. I just don't know.