the_supernerd

I have an '88 22R that is making a ticking noise. It does not seem to be related to engine load, so I doubt it is a wrist pin or a lower end bearing. It sounds like it is coming from the very back of the engine or possibly at cylinder #4. I though it was an exhaust leak at the manifold, but I just put on a new manifold and a Remflex gasket and it is still ticking. The valves are properly adjusted and I do not think the valve cover bolts are too tight because if I tighten them then it makes another kind of ticking noise. This truck has always ticked at idle since I got it, but I did an Italian tune-up and now it is louder and happens around 2500-2800 RPM instead. Does anyone have an idea on what this could be?

the_supernerd

Does anyone have a guess at what this ticking could be?