Sticking lifter...help

My truck is a '99 S10 2.2L 2WD with 150k miles. My engine has been ticking bad lately. I'm thinking I have a sticking or damaged lifter. Yesterday it started getting bad and there was a low whine coming from the engine in random intervals. 300 miles ago I did an oil change with Rislone treatment. This eliminated the noise for about a day then it came back. This all started when my spark plugs fouled and went bad and I had to run it with high RPMs. Does this sound like a lifter problem or something else? Can it be a cam adjuster or chain? I have a fairly good mechanical ability but I have never encountered this. If I have to replace the lifters is it something I can do on my own? Or am I screwed? Please help.
:banghead:

You may have separate problems. I cannot imagine a whine coming from anything within the engine, with the exception of timing gears. running your truck with a miss for extended periods under heavy conditions causes stress to internal parts, and it harms the cat. convertor as, all that unburnt gas goes directly into the cat and overloads/overheats it.

now for the lifter. Its really hard to diagnose from in front of my computer screen, but if it is a sticky lifter, try using a high milage oil, with a good filter, along with something like GM EOS (Engine Oil Supplement) If its a sticky lifter only, and not anyhitng mechanically wrong, the EOS along with some good oil will almost always to the trick.

Good Luck!

I always use Quaker state high mileage 5W-30 with the slick 50 already mixed in the oil (the red jugs). I use fram oil filters and have never had a problem before. It seems that it now always has a tick. But at times it gets very loud and pronounced, and sometimes will nearly go away. My only guess is that sludge and crap is getting into the lifter, clearing out, then getting back into it, that's why it comes and goes. Is there any reason to remove the valve cover? Will that allow me to see anything? Or just waste time?

Anyone else have an idea? This is bad I think, and I start a new job tomorrow and it probably won't look good if I have to call in b/c my truck is dead.

I know a lot of people say do not use an engine flush, but I'm considering it as a last resort. Please help someone.