rapid ticking/knocking sound... engine dying?

[azncapcom]

I've noticed that the last 2 days i've been hearing loud rapid ticking and knocking sounds coming from the engine. This happens regardless of RPM. When im idling i can hear it extremely loud. Even at higher RPMs it still makes the sound, sometimes the sound just gets drowned by the engine rev sound but its still there. It probably makes the sound 70% of the time, sometimes it would stop for a minute or two and start making the sound again... However, i haven't noticed the engine loose any power. Is this a sign of my engine dying? Or could it be a bad tank of gas or something?

[Dave's]

Check your oil level first. If that's OK then try to find out where the sound is coming from. Valve cover area? (Valve noise?) Deep inside? (This could be bearings.) Timing cover? (Is it a chain or a belt? Because it could be the chain going out.) Just a few general possibilities for starters until you hear from someone with better info.

[azncapcom]

its a timing chain. I cant really tell where exactly is the sound coming from...

[azncapcom]

ok so it seems like it is the timing chain... the sound is coming from where the timing chain is... just wondering is this a hard DIY?

also would there be any problem driving with the chain making that sound?