2003 2.3L 4Cyl ticking
 

I am new to this forum, looking for some help diagnosing a ticking sound.
2003 2.3L 4cyl with about 340k miles. Truck still runs well and is my daily driver, just has a ticking noise that is starting to worry me. I run a 10-40 oil because of how many miles, changing it about every 3000 miles. From looking at other threads on this forum, people have been diagnosing it as the lifters being worn out but I’m not sure the engine even has lifters, after talking to my shop foreman (I am an auto body tech and painter).
The only code that is ever thrown is for the butterfly valve on cylinder one that stays open, so I’m pretty sure it’s broken off and might be causing the ticking. The check engine light does not stay on regularly.
Any help and advice would be appreciated,
Aleyah

The ticking is likely a bucket that is worn. You are correct, this engine does not use lifters. It is a direct acting cam-over-bucket design.

My truck has a tick as well, I don't worry about it as I just don't care anymore. But, if you are concerned, take it in, or have the cam-bucket clearance checked. It requires removing the intake manifold to inspect.

The "butterfly valve" you mention is the IMRC (intake manifold runner control). If that system is faulty, there is a possibility of the valve to open and close quickly, causing a tick as well. The runner control solenoid is attached to the intake right by the wire harness connector. It's not hard to miss, if you look at the intake from the driver side. You can remove and plug the vac line that goes to it, and go for a ride. If the ticking went away, I'd look into the IMRC solenoid/actuator and make sure it's not broken. They are known to fail.