Righto, so i have notice a ticking noise coming from the engine. Gets faster with the revs. I've had a look and nothing is loose and no issues with belts or pulleys.

Its a 05 classic. EGR blanked but thats about it.

There is no loss of power or any smoke at all.

Im not really sure if its just the diesel knock of an old diesel engine. When its up around 3000rpm is sounds like its chugging if that makes sense. Warm or cold the ticking is still there.

Are these engines known to be noisy normally? I think i have fuel leakback but i doubt that this would cause a ticking so i've ruled that out and will deal with that later. It also doesnt see much 4x4 use so mainly 2WD so dont think it would be front diff.

Any ideas? Things to check?

could this be something like a snapped rocker @Alan G @123hotchef ?

think a snapped rocker might lower the compression in the engine slightly? seeing as it gets faster with revs won't be drivetrain related..maybe tappets need adjusting, has it ever had any work done on the head?

Not sure if its had work done on the head as havent owned it that long. Ill try and get a video tomorrow and post it up.
What would be the symptoms of lowered compression?
And is it easy to check to rockers?

Check the valve clearances on the tappets to start with. A small leak in the manifold gasket can also give a tapping noise.

Yes tappets gets my vote too. When were the belts changed

Cheers for the info guys.

Belts were done a few weeks ago after i bought it. Cant remember if the tapping was there on the test drive (i was caught in the moment!!) But i basically took it straight to my mechanic and got him to do the belts.

Can that alter the clearances?

Unlikely that just changing belts adjusted tappet gap BUT he may have the ignition pump out a tooth. When mine was a tooth out it was quite rattly...also had more black smoke than usual on acceleration. May well be worth checking that ignition timing ....

Well, its going into the mechanics tomorrow so ill keep you updated.
I have been reading through some old posts about tapping etc and now im panicing that its a rebuild 😯

fingers crossed that its something nice and simple ... loud ticking isn't always a rebuild.....

Quick update,

Got the truck back yesterday. He said all timing was spot on, belts were still tight and pulleys looked fine etc..

He had a look at the tappets and adjusted but said there wasn't much in them. Did a full service, said he checked the oil, and ran a magnet through it but no metal at all.

Tapping noise is still there, though to be fair its quieter now. Truck seems to run better too so definitely needed a service. One thing though, The engine oil is already looking pretty dark, I know he changed it, as he does my work vehicles too and is always spot on but just wondered if it was just because the engine was old, thats making the oil darken straight away, or if there is another reason?

Also got it back with the 4x4 light flashing, so that will be a new post on here because ive tried a few things but need some more advice, ive read so much on the bloody flashing 4x4!!

Mine does the same with an oil change - it's just from mixing with the residue of the old oil - there's always going to be some left in.