is it normal to hear a ticking sound when you first start the engine and then it goes
 

is it normal to hear a ticking sound when you first start the engine and then it goes away when the engine warms up. how do you know when you should change your timing belt? I just bought this can and it runs great but i don't know the history but it has about 67k miles on it. thanks

Ticking could be a few things. The most likely are either an exhaust leak or a lifter. Neither will cause a problem although you might want to fix the exhaust leak as it could cause some damage to the area around the leak. The lifter could possibly be "unstuck" by using some "Marvel Mystery" oil or something similar.

As Fab says, a ticking could be a stuck (hydraulic) lifter. an oil/filter change with added Lucas oil additive may help.

an exhaust leak would have a different sound, more pff--pff--pff (best way I can describe it on a keyboard?)

as for the timing belt----you say you have no history...OK. Let's start with the recommended replacement interval of 5 years or 40,000 miles.

No history, do a timing belt (and water pump) as soon as you can. you have a non-interference motor, so if the belt breaks you won't bend valves---but why risk it this new into your purchase...?

you can get a timing belt/water pump kit from each of the major 928 parts suppliers for around $700 or so.

Good luck--

--Russ