what are the common fuel issues that might be causing this?

 

try this first KISS!!!

Keep
It
Simple
Stupid!

That means try the simple and most obvious things first and not the ones that are least likely to be the cause. Spark plugs and wires go bad more often the fuel system issues. A burnt wire will cause this problem easy. Also could cause that ticking you were hearing by arcing to the manifold. #3 is on the driver's side middle and that is a really hot spot with the way these manifolds are made. If the plug you bought was ever dropped it could easily be broken inside and that will cause missfires.

If it is an injector then you should NOID light it first to see if the injector is getting a signal from the computer, if it is then verify that the injector is good electrically by ohming it out. If that checks out then you need to flow test it, which involves equipment you prolly dont have. Seek professional help here!..

Massey

 

Hmm I've changed the spark plugs and cables not so long ago I'll inspect them again this Thursday tho just to be sure and as for the noid light will this work for my car? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WILMA...item3cb54e30c8

 

Plug wires can be ruined in a matter of minutes, if you were running fine last week and now you are not it will not matter if you checked the wires last month they could now be bad. Too many back yard mechanics have spend hundreds or thousands of $$$ chasing problems that were fine a week before things went bad and didn't think to check what they "know" is still good. I sell auto parts, I see this all the time.

Massey

 

Ok so i took a closer look and the sound seems to come from the rear of the engine towords the driver side is it still the lifter or could it be something else?

 

Lifter or exhaust leak.

Massey

 

Get a short piece of hose like a piece of water hose and put one end on the valve cover and put your ear to the other end to see if you can isolate the sound.