Possible lifter problem?

[CoBrAbOy]

Ok so me and my wife go out last night and put about 30 dollars worth of gas in out 2001 sport. She also has a mustang so she doesn't drive this much. About 5 miles down the road after we left the gas station, I get on it some in order to blow out the cats. We pulled into our destination and I turn down the radio fixing to exit the vehicle. We notice a LOUD ticking, so I left it running and I pop the hood. At first I thought it was an exhaust leak but once I raised the hood the ticking was so loud I didn't know what to do. I then thought it must be a lifter. I drove it about 30 minutes to get it home. I know it wasn't the best thing to do but who wants to spend New Years Eve in a tow truck! LOL. Anyway, I think my problem is different from the other engine noises others have posted. I am going to take it to the Ford dealer tomorrow.What do you guys and gals think?

 

[aldive]

Is the ticking coming from the front of the engine? If so, its possible its a pulley and/or belt issue.

Good luck in its resolution ....

 

[CoBrAbOy]

The sound is coming from the driver side of the engine. What makes me think it is different from the other posts, is it isn't just start up it is continuous. It is so loud I don't even want to drive it to the dealer tomorrow. I did check the oil level and it was still full when I got it home last night. Also the oil pressure never dropped or anything the whole way hope. Again, I can not exaggerate the loudness of the ticking!

 

[Turdle]

Could it be an exhaust leak?

 

[CoBrAbOy]

I had to work some today so I didn't get to look at it in the light. I guess it is possible the header is leaking but it sounds internal.