Motor has A TICK... Thoughts?

[elks]

I have a 72 blazer with a pretty well built 350. It has recently developed a ticking noise. At first it came and went. This last time out we went 15 miles on light trails and when we finished the tick was persistent. In the same little trip I developed some smoke coming from the drivers side only. Same side tick is heard.

The smoke is does not smell like oil and I know it is not coolant, it also smells like a motor running a little rich.

So what are your bets? I am thinking about trying to DIY, but I have the head off my jeep now and am replacing the cam on it, it has taken longer than it should. This might go to the shop.