that's just the sound of the steel bits cooling down
Normally loose tappets will cause a ticking sound in the engine. Depending on if you have mechanical or hydraulic tappets you may need to have them replaced or simply adjusted.
A 97 Maxima can have these symptoms because of a bad alternator. If the alternator has low output there can be a ticking and eventually the engine will stop running.
you need to adjust the valves
what causes aknocking sound on mazda T35 engine when its running
It's a rocker arm tapping at valve stem. Hydraulic lifters (hydraulic rocker mounts) are the common reason for the ticking. If it doesn't go away when the engine heats up, consider replacing the lifter where the ticking comes from.
Faulty engine
the lifters may need adjusting or replacing. your engine not getting enough oil causes the lifters to make noise. not sure what motor you have in it but if it's an engine where you can tighten the lifters then you can buy a tool for it if you know what your doing
If the vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it, it may need a new timing belt and pulleys replaced. This may cause the engine to tick as it is moving out of timing.
The ticking sound is coming from the valve lifters. When the oil filter is changed, air is introduced into the system, which causes air bubbles to form in the oil. This causes the valve lifters to "leak down", which is what causes the ticking sound. It can take several days for the bubbles to dissipate. It's annoying, but harmless.
If it makes the ticking sound and the engine will not crank, then either your battery is dead or the starter solenoid is shot.
It can be a hole in your exhaust system or it can have something to do with your engine.
You have an old car or it's about to be broken.