What's That Ticking?

Brand new headers but I do have a slight leak where the gasket blows out on me. Been chasing that for about a year so open to some good gasket suggestions. This is a very distinct tick/knock aside from my exhaust leak.
i only use the cheapy gaskets that come in the set. they always get a light smear of silicon both sides and i've not had any leaks since doing this. a bonus is any excess squeezes onto the bolt threads which seems to stop them backing out.
neil.