I have a 1999 Camry LE with 89,000 miles. I have had oil changes every
3,000 miles and have done all scheduled maintenance work. I was just at the dealer to do the 90,000 mile service and have the timing belt replaced. While there, I asked them to check a noise I have been having.It started abruptly about 8 months ago and is a ticking/tapping noise which is loudest first thing in the morning or at a cold start, especially on a cold day. I don't hear the noise at highway speeds, but can hear it, although muffled, at lower speeds while accelerating. The mechanic kept the car overnight to hear the noise first thing in the morning and said that it sounded like a connecting rod noise caused by excessive clearance. No explanation for how this could have happened. The same mechanic said that it was a valve noise back in December, but this time he said he did a more thorough check. He said that I could have major problems down the road or the noise may just be bothersome. I don't know what to do -- should I just sell the car and cut my losses. Thanks.