So I developed a warm running tick - it was coming from the front of the engine - not lifter or rocker arm area (put new lifters in when did heads 15k miles ago - changed the oil with new filter but that didn't do anything - so upon checking some more I noticed my coolant overflow bottle was low so I added some water - checked again several days later and while the level was good could tell there was some particals in the coolant - so decided to drain and flush with hose - added new coolant and tick went away - first time I have heard of a coolant related tick

 

It doesn't seem likely. Though I have no possible explanation for why the tick went away.

A 'tick' at the front of the engine may indicate a water pump going bad. A worn bearing can make a similar (not the same) sound.

 

the water pump was replaced with the head job along with a new oil pump timing chain and gears - it appears there is some lubricant properties in antifreeze - perhaps something to do with it ?