My son's firebird started sounding like a lifter ticking about 4 days ago.then it stoped.now today it sounds like a nut or somthing is bounsing around in the upper passanger side of the motor.If it was a rod it would keep making the sound right?also this is a 90 v6.To take off the tapet covers,will I have to remove the whole intake?

You can remove the valve covers w/o pulling the intake. Is there a miss in the motor now?

no. the sound is bad,but gose away for a few seconds and starts back again,there in no change in the way the motor is running when it happens but for the jumping marbel sound.That sounds like its in the top and not from down low.what if anything would have to be removed.

I would pull the valve cover and have a thorough look at the rocker arms. Look for anything out of place, such as a rocker cocked to the side. Could be any of number of things, like a broken spring, loose rocker arm nut, bent rod, etc. Could also be something external to the engine like a loose heat shield or bracket. Are you certain the sound is internal?

no,it's raining and I heard enuff to know somthings up.My son changed the altnator last week.It was also dark out and didn't see anything jump out at me.The little bird is grounded till I can get a closer look.What ever it is,sounds like it wants to jam up!