'94 MM 2.4L 4cyl

My truck has always had engine tick. I remedy this by keeping the oil fresh and filled and this usually fixes the problem. However, this morning it was ticking a lot more than usual so I went ahead and changed the oil (last change sept). It did not help. The truck is now ticking at idle and at speed, hot or cold, highway or driveway.

I don't know if this is an oil pressure problem or a valve problem. My Haynes manual suggests improper valve clearances, or worn piston pins or piston pin holes, or yes even a collapsed lifter, but unfortunately it doesn't supply that much visual information on how to check and/or fix these things.

What is the best way to go about diagnosing this? I am going to check the oil pressure and pull the valve cover tomorrow but I need to know what to look for.

Anyone else have a similar issue?

Any help is appreciated.