Nissan Repair: 1997 nissan pick up valve train noise, cam follower, stethscope

Question
dear von,
      
       i have a 97 nissan pick up 2.4L engine
with a valve train noise that ticks intermmentaly
at cylinder number one when i check wiht a stethscope and oil is at proper level, any advice
would be appreciated
                         thanks

Answer
Marcos,

You have an intermittent stuck cam follower dampner.  It is not too bad a problem as long as it is not too noisy.  If you change the oil to 5W30 it should go away.  If not take the valve cover off andd inspect it to see if it is the intake or exhaust follower that has too much of a gap.  You could replace the dampner with a new one but that would mean taking the head apart and I would try the oil first.