ticking when cold from front belts region

[mac123yre]

With my 450 when cold I have an intermittent ticking, it seems to be coming from around the belts, oil pressure is good engine runs fine but I have noticed it seems to be in the damp and cold weather.

Any ideas????

[FlipFlopGriff]

Does it speed up with an increase in revs as this would narrow it down a bit. When our water pump was on its last legs it made some dodgy noises.
FFG

[debaron]

Stone or small object stuck in the belt grooves (serp) is not unheard of!

Also if it's coming from the front end could well be a slack/worn timing chain. When was it last done?

Ryan

[mac123yre]

It had wondered if the water pump may be the problem, the sound increases when revved up but goes when hot.