Lifter replacement In 96 3.1

What gaskets and any other small parts will be needed to replace lifters on a 3.1? Do the heads have to be removed?
I've tried the "mechanic in a bottle" cures for noise and they work for a short time but the ticking comes back & is starting to get to me. :disappoin

Welcome to AF, are you sure this is a lifter? What are the symptoms, can you pinpoint the specific cylinder by checking the rockers with the valve covers off?

Thanks for the welcome. This looks like the place to be for Lumina info.

On the 96 the ticking started only during cold starts for a minute or 2 and now does it pretty much all the time. It sounds like just one valve at one of the front cylinders. It's quieter at idle and makes the most noise at low speed from a dead stop take off. I can't really hear it at higher speeds.

Are rocker arms known to be a problem in 3.1's? Can you remove the rocker cover and still start the motor? I haven't done any investigating inside the engine yet so i was just assuming a noisy lifter.

A local mechanic suggested 1/2 qt of trans fluid in the oil for a few days to clean out any sludge then change the oil. That worked for a little while but the ticking has returned.

Do not do the flush deal, could lead to trouble!, bad advice. Try and pinpoint the suspect cylinder, remove the cover and run the engine cold when it is the noisiest and listen to each rocker to pin it down, use a long screwdrive as a conduit. Post back results. Is this engine sludgy inside, you will see.

Thanks for the welcome. This looks like the place to be for Lumina info.

On the 96 the ticking started only during cold starts for a minute or 2 and now does it pretty much all the time. It sounds like just one valve at one of the front cylinders. It's quieter at idle and makes the most noise at low speed from a dead stop take off. I can't really hear it at higher speeds.

Are rocker arms known to be a problem in 3.1's? Can you remove the rocker cover and still start the motor? I haven't done any investigating inside the engine yet so i was just assuming a noisy lifter.

A local mechanic suggested 1/2 qt of trans fluid in the oil for a few days to clean out any sludge then change the oil. That worked for a little while but the ticking has returned.
Is it possibly piston slap? Here's a fairly good article explaining what piston slap is and why it exists. www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/020320.htm (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jk/020320.htm)