The cool water hitting your piping hot exhaust makes the metal contract (Shrink) and it makes a ticking noise.
Faulty engine
ticking sound in engine is usually not caused by a timing belt ticking is usually caused by worn cam shaft or clifters most cars now have hydraulic lifters. if oil is low it will cause ticking. if a lifter is worn it will cause ticking these should have been ckecked for wear when replacing timing belt
Ticking in an engine generally refers to the valves. If ticking is apparent on a 1994 Chevy Lumina tighten the valves to factory specifications.
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.
The most likely cause of a ticking sound in a motor is a bad timing belt. A valve out of time can also cause a ticking sound.
Collapsed hydraulic valve lifter? Rocker arm (valves) need adjusting?
Could possibly be a bad lifter.
collapsed lifter?
can you elaborate? engine noise? stationary/moving? ticking, tapping or a definite knocking?
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.
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.
You oil pump is not working?