2000 Protege 1.6 Possible Lifter Noise?

[p_Reed]

I think I may be experiencing this, any help or knowledge on this problem would be greatly appreciated. I hear a ticking coming from the top end of the motor. Its mostly at idle and premium gas didn't help it at all so I don't think its the timing. Any ideas? The valve cover is about to come off of it now so I can take a look.

 

[shimontnt]

is it a zm 1.6 model you got there take a screwdriver and probe around with your ears listen on the rocker cover for noisy tapits or noisy injectors did you check your knock sensor touch it and see if any gooey stuff is coming out from it if yes its faulty and needs to be replaced that can cause a miss in the timing which can cause ignition rattle (heard when driving under load) so i doubt it can be a timing issue!!