check for exhaust leaks around the manifold inlets and outlets.
Waht is the answer?
If the ticking sounds like a "normal" ticking, it is probably the fuel injectors.
More than likely it's the lifters.
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.
Faulty engine
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.
It means the engine has developed a leak. About the size of Mars. Be careful when repairing it tho. It might throw spaghetti at you.
Its possible that this ticking sound is caused from driving fast for prolong periods. Its possible that its not the engine that is making the sound, but the exhaust system somewhere. I hear a ticking sound if I drive over 140KMh for long periods. It always stops once the car cools. I hopes this helps.
your either about to throw a rod (which means you need it replaced before it gets thrown through the block) or you have a valve tapping which means the rocker needs adjusted
The tinking sound if it is a light sound is probably the fuel injectors working which is normal but I would check the oil level and make sure it is full first it could be lifters ticking or clattering.