i have just rolled 70,000 miles and in the last 1,000 - 1,500 miles i have noticed this ticking sound on the top of the engine near the serpentine belt but under the upper intake manifold on the passenger side , near the back.....

any idea? could i possibly need a valve adjustment? or maybe a bad lifter????

99'Contour SVT #1766 of 2760
stock-for now, mods in the making
pionner deh-4400 cd/xm head unit
pioneer 4x6 component plates(front)
pioneer 3-way 6x9 (back)
(2)8" Boston Accoustic Rally Series subwoofers
Alpine 3527 amplifier
MTX RT-XO1A electronic crossover