Time out everyone! There's all kinds of reasons for engines to make "ticking noises".

I'd get a mechanic's stethoscope and find out where the noise is coming from! If you don't want to buy one of those (but they're pretty cheap), cut a length of hose, stick one end up to your ear and probe the engine with the other end. (Stay away from moving parts of course).

Right now, all you're doing is guessing.

- Jack