3.0 maintenance help

[oreo]

I was wondering what I could do to help it run better.
a 1994 mazda b3000 engine
107XXX miles

Right now I'm experiencing the following...
fume odor on outside of truck
ticking noise
heavy exhaust fumes
and a weird rattle that comes on randomly and often pretty shortly then goes away, sounds like its coming from underneath the truck but doesnt make the noise when idling.

Any help would be great. Im just looking for things i can do for it before I take it in for an inspection and get some work done to it.

 

[dezrt_edge33]

the ticking noises u hear is most likley yur liffters sonds like u were running the truck on low oil? if u add a heavyer weight oil the sound should be alot less noticeable if not then id get your velves looked at

 

[fixizin]

Ticking noise AND fumes might both be related to the PCV valve, as in the hose that exhausts the PCV is leaking or disconnected, and/or the PCV valve itself has popped out of the big grommet in the rocker arm cover, 'cause the grommet's dried out, etc... this would amplify your lifter noise, because your valvetrain is now "out in the open air"...

PCV valve is on the left bank, rear... cylinder # 6 area.