Is there a way to distinguish a floated lifter, vs lets say a bent rod?
I ask because I get this tapping noise when the car first start and when I accelerate, barely hear it at idle....have not lost any power, but the tapping is getting louder.
thanks for any info

 

an audio/video clip would help... the depth of the pitch is what will tell ya.

 

do a oil change, then report back

 

With the car idling put a stick or pipe to the cam cover with your ear cupped on the other end and move it around. That's an easy way to pin point a bad lifter - you'll know when you get to it, sounds like somebody tapping on the other end of the stick/pipe.

If you move your stick down to the block, the tapping SHOULD get weaker.

 

does it stop after the car warms up?

 

What a lot of people are hinting at is you should search HLA noise here or m.net

 

exactly, lifter tap sucksto hear, but its nothing to worry about

 

I tried the screwdriver tip and sure enough I can hear the tapping as described. the tap is very consistent with the spinning cam shaft very regular...I believe a rod is not as steady but has an irregular pattern...the tapping is much louder when the car is cold, and when you first begin to accelerate. I managed to hear an audio of both off of youtube and it seems a lifter tap is audible at idle unlike a bent rod...I've since ordered the upgraded lifters and will be installing them in a week or so. Tried the Atf and lucas oil trick as well as changing the oil... didn't make a huge difference will try to get a video up in the next couple of days. Thanks all for replying.