Valve lifter question

2005 escape, 2.3 L 4 cyl with valve lifter noise "tapping". Question is......can it be adjusted out or are they non adjustable and need replacment.

The valve lash is set by hydraulic tappets and is non-adjustable on this engine. Sometimes a lucky fella can run some sea-foam through the engine and change the oil and it will go away, otherwise you're looking at some valve work. It's unfortunate that nobody makes adjustable valve trains anymore, you date yourself when you say "valve adjustment" nowadays.