Engine Ticking noise - need help!

I have a 93 nissan Maxima. When it warms up (usually after like 10 minutes of driving), a ticking noise appears from under the hood. I had someone look at it and it could be the lifters. Valves and engine head where clean and fine, so it must be the lifters. Now my question is: is there a way to individually test each lifter to see which one if causing the problem? Or do all 24 of the lifters need to be replaced? I am trying to avoid replacing all of them because it will be too expensive. the mechanic suggested that all lifters need to be replaced. doesnt sound right though. Cant he just test each lifter individually to see which one fails?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Any Maxima experts out there?

Thanks

Check for a loose rocker arm. This is much more common than a bad lifter. Good Luck.

Does it have hydraulic lifters?

Hydraulic lifters going bad can make a ticking sound, but cold starts or the car not being driven for a while can also result in the ticking noise. The reason for the noise of the lifters not being able to hold the pressure (bad lifter) or there is no oil pressure in them (the two other reasons).

so maybe if i drive the car for a while, noise may go away? what if i ignore the noise and just drive - can this damage the engine?

Does it have hydraulic lifters?

Hydraulic lifters going bad can make a ticking sound, but cold starts or the car not being driven for a while can also result in the ticking noise. The reason for the noise of the lifters not being able to hold the pressure (bad lifter) or there is no oil pressure in them (the two other reasons).

Depends on what the issue is. A loose rocker arm would take a VERY long time to do damage. A collapsed lifter can be a little worse.

I see. I also heard about something called the "TBS" or "TBA Advance"? It is somehow related or attached to the engine. It is a reoccuring possible defect related to 1993 Nissan Maxima. Does anyone have any more info on this?

I am sorry I do not have any info on this, check the Nissan Forum.