tapping lifter

1993 grand am 2.4 quad DOHC. I had a tapping noise start coming from my engine today...to the best of my knowledge, it sounds like a lifter. My problem is i am trying to leave town tonight and i am wondering if it would be a very bad idea to drive it like this. Can this cause serious damage or do i need to worry about the lifter locking up possibly? Thanks for any help and happy holidays.

If the lifter jams in the bore it can cause the valve to stick open, which will result in some interesting and expensive noises. Try changing your oil, see if the problem goes away. If its still there pull the cover off the cam where the lifter is ticking, turn the motor by hand and look for any flat spots. It could also be worn springs causing the tapping. Personally, given the amount of labor involved in removing the head, I wouldn't risk doing more damage to the motor by driving it. Good luck, hope this helps.