Saturn Repair: ticking noise, viscosity of oil, saturn sl

Question
1999 Saturn SL has started a ticking noise.  Oil change was done 3 weeks ago.  What could cause the "ticking" noise?

Answer
Barb,
 A few possibilities for you:

1. Incorrect grade and/or viscosity of oil.
2. Low oil level
3. Collapsed lifter
4. Various engine parts

The first thing I would do is check my oil.  Next, I would find out what brand and type oil was used.  A quality 5W-30 oil is what your engine requires.  If you can't find an answer, I would take it in to someone you can trust.  Unless it's something simple, those type of noises generaly
get louder.  Hope this helps,
 

Chris