'97 jimmy intake man. leak/lifter noise

I read the "tech" article about the repair for this problem,and I was wondering how long can I let this go?(through the winter?),and second, is will the lifters need to be replaced?(they chatter for a few minutes until they pump up). I am not reluctant to do the job because of the work involved ( I did an intake man. job on a '95 k2500), I would just like to do it in warmer weather if I'm not going to smoke anything before then. What do ya think? Dave

Coolant in the oil will cause internal engine damage. Don't wait, repair it ASAP.

Just wanted to finally post an update to my original post on 2/1/08.
I did replace the intake manifold and valve cover gaskets shortly after the post, took about 15 hours total, $60 (approx.) in parts and unknown amount of money to heat the garage in the middle of winter ,but I did save approx. $800 (the cost a local shop told it would be).
A word to the wise.. do not cheap out on the gasket kit , I bought Fel-Pro!! Changed the oil and coolant after I was done and all is well !! The lifters even stopped making noise after a couple of driving cycles.
p.s. don't overlook the inevitable carbon build up on the bottom of the injectors ;)