Engine ticking noise - intermittent Options

[rocketcost]

Hi everyone,

After looking through a great many threads and posts, I haven't come across any definitive answers to the illusive "ticking under the valve cover" problem.

I have similar situations to others: Oil got to the low point on the dip stick, however, it was never too low as to not register - In my defence, I was about 1000 kms below my next oil change. Shame on me for not checking more often tho

I'm posting here now because the ticking comes and goes, without any sign, rhyme or reason. The best clue I have is it sometimes happens when the car is at it's hottest state after a reasonable drive on a mild day.

Any ideas? I can assure you all that I have confirmed that I am not hearing the injectors. Those guys ALWAYS tick (as they should).

Thanks for any input you might have!

[Box]

Based on his profile he has a ST with 7A-FE, I can't remember exactly on mine but I don't think they were exactly quite either. Oil weight has a lot to do with your climate, but you might try something like a good 5W-40 so you still have good cold flow but it's a little thicker when hot.