Valve ticking? On 97 nissan 200sx plz help...

[Mahonroy]

Hello, my girlfriend has a 97 nissan 200sx 2.0 liter (120,000 miles). Lately there has been a loud ticking sound comming from the valve covers which is progressively getting worse, its starting to sound like a deisel engine...
I was thinking of removing the valve cover to see if I see any signs of something messing up, but not really sure what to look for. Does anyone know what could cause the problem? I'm thinking that maybe the valves or cams are going bad somehow. If thats the case do you think it would be the eisiest to just swap out the head? Any help is greatly appreaciated thanks!

[Eric]

I'll suggest the obvious and say check the oil before you start tearing the engine apart.

[hrcDSM719]

Another thing to check is the timing chain tensioner. Sometimes with high mileage they will eat away the plastic guides on the tensioner causing a pretty loud ticking type noise. Another thing I would suggest is definately checking the oil, and even running an engine oil flush through it and changing the oil. A lot of times with engines that have had slightly irregular maintenance tey will sludge up and start ticking pretty good. Hope that helps man!

-Jake

[STIBungy]

Has a valve adjustment ever been done on that car?

[jackmode9316]

Are they hydrolic lifters? I only ask because my 240 had them.