Hilux Surf 1992, 2.4 - 2L TE engine

[LWRIGHT]

Hi

I recently purchased a Toyota Surf, which has great bodywork and interior, although engine and mechanicals seem to be less than perfect...

Firstly there seems to be engine oil leaking out the bottom, possibly from the head or rocker cover gasket...

Also there now seems to be a constant ticking sound from the engine, after my 6 hour journey south with it. A sort of 'tsh tsh tsh sound, my previous experience with a diesel powered van, is that it's a piston issue? Is this the likely case? And from my scant experience, it's best to replace with recon engine rather than try and have the pistons, replaced, rebored etc.

I've read lots about the 2.4 having cracked heads, do you think this is the case with mine from what I have written?

Is it best I replace the head, or perhaps replace with a recon engine, from companies with good reputation and 3yr warranty?

Also going over any bumps more than an inch, seems to be a bit of a bone rattler, is this shock absorbers?

Many thanks for any advice on my surf - I do like it a lot and so prepared to spend to fix. Any recommendations for mechanics in SE London/ N Kent?
thanks
Lawrence

[woodwarm]

hello & welcome Lawrence.

think captain Hook had similar problem tick tock

[LWRIGHT]

thanks.

yes the ticka ticka ticka sounds seems to be with me, every 2nd car i buy!!!

[LWRIGHT]

and thinking about it, it is more ticka ticka than tsh tsh tsh.

seeing mechanic tomorrow so will see what he says.