Ticking sound

Hello I'm new to this forum but not new to forums in general or Automotive work. Thanks for having me, I hope I can provide help to who I can.

But first I need a little advice. I own a 94 4 cyl pick up. It's a great truck, and has yet to let me down, and I like to take good care of it, engine wise, cosmeticaly thats another story, haha.

Anyway, truck has 210,00 miles on it with a questionable rebuild under its belt (previous owner). About 30,000 miles ago, it started to develop a tick, or a rather Rapid tick. It gradualy got worse and worse. I have a feeling in may have something to do with the valve lash on one one of the Cly, or maybe a bad oil pump? I don't know that much about this engine to be sure.

This ticking is really more like a clacking sound. On old oil and when it's cold, the sound is tremendously loud.Then gradualy as the motor heats up, the sound begins to pulse, then fades away. It's is still there but only durring acceleration and deceleration. Holding an RPM does not produst the sound, on old oil that is.

With a fresh oil change and old filter, the sound is still there but not as bad. If I change the filter 1500 miles into the next oil change, the sound fades also

Fresh oil and filter, and the sound is almost completely gone, either on a cold start or freeway speeds. Then as the oil gets old again the sound will come back. Any Ideas?

Check the valve lash.
Don't reuse the valve cover gasket or the rubber grommets, they may be collapsed and allowing the rockers to hit the cover. Don't over tighten when putting the cover back on.
What weight motor oil are you using?

Im using 10-30, with slick 50. (yea yea I know). The motor seems to run better with 10-30 than when I use other weights. Plus I am in CA and it doesn't freeze here.

So you think I should pull the cover eh? Sounds like a plan. If that does turn out to be the case, Chances are that rocker arm and valve might be dammaged. And if thats the case then I might as well rebuild it. Ug.

Yes, pull the cover. The valves should be adjusted everytime you do a tune-up.
A possibly cheaper option, if you find it necessary, to rebuilding is buying an imported used moter (30,000 to 40,000 miles). Many importers advertise in the free classifieds available at auto parts stores.

I have confirmed your opinion with an outside source. looks like a sunday for me. What should the lash be set at?