Quote
my oil filter doesn't have anti drain back valve.

My exhaust manifold is cracked and I have 0422 CEL code on(CAT), can it be the problem?

What should I start to look at first?


Get the correct oil filter and have the exhaust header repaired first before thinking it's the valve train. With some luck the ticking sound is actually the hole in the exhaust. Once you've repaired those and the noise continues then start to think valve train!

And on a related note a Long Block for a sportage runs about $1500 usd a valve job on the same engine runs about $2000

08' Jeep Wrangler
64' Plymouth Sport Fury 383
58' Triumph TR-3A