For the past couple of weeks Ive notice what I can only describe as a ticking noise coming from the passenger side of my engine block. I have no clue as to what could be causing this sound. Recently Ive also noticed that between 1000 and 2000 rpm the engine seems to hesitate. These two problems could be related but Im not sure. Any guesses as to what could be causing both problems ?

 

either a rocker out of adjustment or an exhaust leak. i would check the latter of the 2 first.

 

tickings are ussually one of three things.. ussually, sometimes it could be something else. but ussually it is either a collapsed lifter, a loose rocker arm, or an exaust leak

 

Could it be coming from the A/C compresser? Now that I remember when I turn on the heat or air, there is a load whining noise that comes from the same area, Ive also noticed condensation on the tubes going to the compresser.

 

The condensation is normal on the fatter a/c lines; those are on the suction side of the loop and contain cold refrigerant when the compressor is pumping.

Yes, the compressor could make a ticking sound. If the ticking is the same with the compressor on or off, that's probably not the problem, though. If it only ticks when the a/c is off, I would look into the pulley bearing or the clutch face. The clutches get rusty/dirty sometimes, and simply turning the a/c off and on a few times with the engine at a few thousand rpm will slam the clutch faces together and polish them up again. OTOH, if it only ticks when the compressor is on, it could be an internal bearing or mechanical problem. You can spin the compressor by hand with the engine off. Don't turn the pulley; turn the front/center part of the hub. You can also check the clutch and bearing by hand. Remove the belt, and spin the pulley. Either of these could help you pinpoint a compressor problem.