I can here a ticking sound from the valve cover and into the oil pan. Will a ticking rocker arm sound carry all around an engine? Can rod and main bearings be replaced with the engine in the car?

Ticking sound from valve cover while idling usually indicates a bad lifter or maladjusted valves. A rod knock will really get loud as the engine load and speed is increased (put into gear, hold with brakes and increase engine speed).

Are you sure the ticking isn't caused by bad spark plug wires?

Open the hood at night with the engine running and see if there is arcing from any of the wires.

John 8)

I have a lifter that gets noisy from time to time. The problem first shows up when I start the engine in an overnight cold condition. However, it pumps up within a few seconds and remains quiet the rest of that day. Unless I take action to silence the lifter, it gets worse. To treat the lifter, I change the oil and filter but substitute one quart of oil with Rislone (sp). It can be found in most auto parts stores. It comes in a bright yellow can. When I do this, the lifter behaves for approximately 9 or 10 months before misbehaving again.