I have a 1990 toyota pickup with an EFI 22-R motor, and i have noticed a clicking noise coming from the engine compartment. It is most prominent when the engine is cold and is just starting up, but comes and goes as i shift through the gears. It mainly happens during low RPM activity..Anyone have/had this same problem? I have been told it could be several things; The rockers are loose and rattling around, the rods could be bent, or something to do with the lifters..not sure though.. Any feed back would be helpful, anything to keep me from buying a new top end....

 

I also pulled the plugs and found there is white residue and the plugs are dirty, they were new a month ago. Also, she puts out some white smoke when first starting, then it clears out. Could my gaskets somewhere be faulty? What does this indicate?