engine problem

[TheSparo]

whats up, ok i have an 89 SOHC 240, and the motor has 124k miles (suposedly, it says on the odo)the engine at random times ticks, it did when i bought it but stopped, i have no idea why it starts or stops, it doesnt really do it after i run the engine hard so that couldnt be it, and also there is exhast smoke, i was thinking it was the fuel mixture, it doesnt smoke visibly at idle, but once above around 4k rpm i see it, but i've been told it smokes when i start from a stop or something. the smoking is constant, but the ticking is not, i checked the spark plugs, and they look good, just a small amount of carbon, but that is pretty normal (i think) well i think that is all the symptoms... please help, i dont really need it running perfect, b/c i am getting a front clip soon, but it is just annoying.
oh yea, when i am going down a hill in gear (not accelerating) i hear a poping, like very quite backfire... but im not sure... anyone have an idea?

cliff's notes: problem please help solve

EDIT: i forgot that sometimes i notice a jerk when accelerating, which i assume is the fuel filter, which i plan on replacing soon, and yes i have read threads on ticking and engine smoke, but after looking at the spark plugs im clueless..