Nissan Repair: engine noise, nissan pathfinder, cam follower

Question
i have a 91 nissan pathfinder with a slight tick in the motor at all rpm and under or not under load when at front of motor it sounds like its in the heads when over either head sounds like the front of motor.
water pump? valve? rod? i dunno
thanks for the help
otto

Answer
Otto,

I would change the oil to 5W30 of your particular brand and see if the noise goes away.  If it is a mechanical tick.  If you are listening close it could just be the fuel injectors.  They tick with each pulse they provide fuel and make a tick.  You can get a long screwdriver and place the handle to your ear and then touch the other end to the valve covers and each injector and you will hear the noise inside and out.  The reason I said to change the oil is first it will clean out oil passages and the 5W30 will aid in upper cylinder lubrication.  So, if you have a cam follower plugged up it could loosen up and stop ticking.  Do not know which it is since I cannot hear it from here.  But those would be my two choices from what you have written.