I have a 1998 ford ranger splash that had cracked heads, when I pulled the heads there was standing antifreeze in 4 of the 6 pistons. But rebuilt heads on with new push rods, When I started it up I hear a clicking noise on Driver side back think that's cylinder 6. It is a slower tick like metal to metal but about ever 1/2 sec. so it's not like the normal lifter clicking that's a constant tick- tick- tick. Could one of the push rods be out of place? Also noticed I'm still getting a lot of smoke out of exhaust. But It may just need to clean out as bad as the oil sludge from water in oil was. Currently doing an engine oil flush and coolant flush to clean it all out.
Thanks for the help in advance.
Bruce 4-19.24

 

sounds like a lifter that hasn't pumped up. see if it changes after oil change.