my 1991 eb fairmont started making lsight ticking nioses a couple of months ago, and just in the last few days, its now alot louder, coming from the right side of engine, between exhaust manifold and cylinder head.. when the car is running i can feel hot air escaping, but i cant pinpoint it.. not so much ticking noise now, but a loud noise... the other day i got under the car while it was running and put my hand on the accerator and could see alittle smoke when i revved it... can anyone help...thx

Just a wild stab here but on my drivers side rocker cover I have a one way valve which can produce a rapid ticking sound. Something like that perhaps?

Start the engine and have a friend block the exhaust pipe(s) with a block of wood or similar. This will make an exhaust leak much louder and easier to pin point.