Nissan Repair: 90 pathfinder loss power motor ticking, low oil pressure, variable valve timing

Question
I was driving up a steep hill at 60mph when engine lost some power and started ticking noise at all rpm. At idle the ticking is low frequency leading me to thevalve train. Do you think I should go to the trouble of opening the valve covers to check valves? Can I tell by looking? I was just about to change timing belt anyway.

Answer
Tim,

It sounds like the variable valve timing is screwed up.  I would get a scanner and have your vehicle checked first.  Then, if that shows nothing you are going to want to remove the valve covers to check to see if the cams will advance.  Another cause would be low oil pressure.  Email me back with what you find.