clicking in engine

[aussie14]

does anyone have an idea of what may be causing a rythmic clicking in the engine of a 156 JTS Selespeed.  the clicking is not constant and seems to drop in and out but more often than not is caused by high revs.  therefore i hear it most often when im driving in 1st/2nd, it settles off at high speeds.

the car is 2002, 90,000 k's and in great condition but the clicking is irritating.  serious problem or just the alfa V4 engine?

appreciate any ideas.

[Craig_m67]

Could be anything, really.

Stuck tappet, buggered variator, numerous bearings, aircon pump clutch thingy, any of the cambelt tensioners/rollers, clutch release bearing..

When was the oil last changed, when was the cam belt, aux belt, water pump and all associated tensioners last changed?  If you can't answer these questions ... get thee to to the internets and buy or book her in for a service.   

TS/JTS are plain old straight fours
I drive a diesel, tapping is good

The friendliest guess is variator.. anything else is gonna be expensive or nasty if not caught now.