clicking noise turing idle (S14)

[TurDz]

I noticed today that when I'm parked near a wall or between cars (so noises will echo), I'm hearing a clicking noise coming from the engine bay while I'm sitting inside the car with the windows rolled down.

The closest way I can describe this sound is the sound of a few needles dropping on sheet metal. Maybe not even as strong; it is a very faint noise yet it is very noticable and audible.

Tried to search but couldn't get a specific answer; could anyone help me out?

thanks.

btw, car has 50k miles, it's a 98 240SX, stock, with constant oil changes ever 3-4k (previous owner was religous about it and followed dealer recommendations...).

[GEO]

thats normal.. i think its your fan belt gears turning...

[TurDz]

Hmm...it can't be normal, because this "ticking" noise is pretty apparent and annoying...

thanks for your reply though. If anyone else might know what it could be, please let me know. thanks.

[89240sx]

probably your valves... listen close to the top of the engine ... sometimes you can hear it by putting a metal pipe on the valve cover and listening.