engine noise

i have a rodknock or a timining chain slapping or a bad lifter how can i find out what is the real cause of the noise in my dual ohc 2.4 96 engine
should i tear it down buy a new /rebuilt /used engine?

There is no "easy" way to find out which of those is your problem. I had a ticking sound in my LD9 and it turned out to be a bad rod bearing. I had already replaced the lifters for $800 then went further into the motor to find the worn rod bearing.