my truck making a ticking or whining noise

ok i checked the belts and fan they look good. i also started it again it's not as loud. now it sound like it's coming from the valve cover could the lifter be bad or loose

its very possible that you burnt it. get a tester check at each plug compression check the manual for where it should be if there is a variance you got a serious issue . piston slap is characteristic of most vehicles however it can be fixed but while automotive industry allows this off the assembly line .. it isnt ok so a little is the first stage of eventual catastrophic failure off the assembly line chevrolet mitsubishi and dodge maybe more give it an allowance when you run with your oil low the cylander's over heat and excessive wear begins your rings displace and burn up causing the piston to become out of balance and the rod gets messed up so check your valve compression get your manual to get the specs i remember internal combustion includes back pressure from your exhaust as well it all works together so problems in another system can show up in what seems to be a wierdo spot. check your battery and electrical to as maybe your timing is off or your wires are not in the proper order once youve done all that none of that is hard to do then when you find the variance you can either fix it yourself take it to a mechanic and not get hosed or scrap it depending on what youve done.