'90 4Runner with ticking noise in engine

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I have a 1990 4Runner and right after purchase had to change the head gaskets. Did everything by the book, but now I have a ticking noise in the engine compartment. The noise only exists in drive or reverse, and dissapears when I put it in park. My oil pressure gauge acts funny as well. When I first start the truck, the oil pressure reads at 60psi steady. After driving a few minutes, it drops down to 20-40 range (closer to 20 at idle). Every now and then, while sitting at a red light, I will look down and notice that the gauge is at 0 psi. My oil level remains solid. I have been checking it daily since the head gasket job. Anyone have an idea? I like to think worst case, so I suspect that the oil pump has gone, and is not getting the pressure high enough to coat the crankcase components, causing them to tick. I am not a mechanic though. Also have a knock sensor code, and don't have the money for a new one right now. Will it hurt my engine to put off changing the knock sensor if it really is bad?
3.0 3VZE, 2WD

 

I know with the 22re, the ticking is almost normal. Might try a search using "engine ticking" or "Ticking" ect. The oil gauge, when your driving, does it go back up to norm? I know quite of few of the Toyota's will have the oil gauge drop to around 0 while just sitting at a red light, then goes up while driving.

A few more will chime in sooner or later. Welcome to the board. Lots of info here and great people. Make sure you try out the search function as you'll find alot of your answers thru that feature, just takes a little reading to get what ya need.

 

Thanks for the quick response. Yes, the oil pressure goes up as the RPMs go up. Its running around 3000 RPM just to go 60MPH. I am not a mechanic, but it just doesn't feel right. Also, I get thick white smoke from the tailpipe at startup. I dont think it is steam like I had with the bad head gasket. The smoke goes away within the first minute of idle.

 

RPM wise, what size tires do you have and what gearing?

I'd keep a eye on the white smoke......signs of a H.G. Keep a eye on the oil, starts turning into a milkshake color, bad news. Have you ran a pressure test on your radiator, checking for a leak?