I have a 2002 Tracker with a 2.0L. There is a fairly loud ticking sound now when the engine is running. It has been sitting for almost a year, only being started occasionally. It just recently starting doing this. I noticed that now, after running the engine, the entire dipstick is covered in oil. I'm far from being a mechanic - does anyone have any idea what it might be from my limited information?

 

After that long a time you have probably a sticking lifter. Run the engine, warm it up good and make an oil change. That normally takes care of the problem