Oil Consumption woes or normality?

[Leah and David Mueller]

I have an 1986 4kq with 280,000 kms.  In about 3 to 4 tankfuls of gas (
about 2000 or so kms depending on conditions ) I go through a half a litre
of oil.  I know this before I check oil when I hear the valves ticking.
Adding the half a litre brings the motor  back to quiet again.  Would
changing the valves help both ticking and oil consumption, or are they not
related?

By the way, is my email format working ok on the list?

Thanks,
David