I have a ticking noise thats apparent at idle and increases with rpm's on load, i caught a thread that mentions bad lifters and to check the vacuum pressure.

What do i need to check it and how should i check?

 

"Vacuum pressure" is kind of an oxymoron, isn't it?

Vacuum is the opposite/absence of pressure. You need a vacuum gauge hooked up to one of the vacuum ports on the intake or you can use a scanner or diagnostic software to observe the MAP reading and then convert it to vacuum.

 

Is there a certain type of vacuum gauge that i will need or can i just go pick up andy random type at an auto store

 

A vacuum test gauge is what you want. It shoud come with some hose and maybe a few different size adapters. Don't get something that is meant to be mounted permanently inside the car.

 

thanks, how much should that cost and what should the readings be at

 

probably about 20 dollars. As I recall 18 inches of vaccuum at idle dropping to 0 at WOT and 24 on deceleration. That was when we used carbourators but i don't think these things have changed.