Front End Noises Gone... Now engine noise AH!

[joe_doherty]

Hey everyone!

97 Taurus LX 3.0 V6 DOHC

Guess what, the front end noise I've been plagued with for so long is finally gone. After replacing all those parts, it was simply a strut that was completely junk inside, I guess that kind of teaches all of the mechanics in my area to not rule out a strut because "it seems to be tight and new." But your guys's tips were great, I was able to figure it out using chassis ears, definately a great tool to have!

But, it seems as tho once I get rid of one problem I attract another. Tonight I was doing my regular oil change, at 3,000, I use 10W-30 Valv MaxLife, not that it'll really matter. But I did as I usually did, but this time I started to get a light tapping in the engine compartment. It didn't start right away, in fact I started it up, drove 5 mi to the oil drop-off and back and I noticed it as soon as I pulled in the drive way. It sounded like a light tapping that happend about 1 sec apart. I opened the hood checked the oil... it was a little high, I guess my estimation of 5.3 qts wasn't quite right tonight. I checked transmission fluid... just right and bright red. No leaks, no signs of anything. I could notice it more on the bottom side of the engine, but not positive cuz you could hear it pretty good on the top too. I turned off the car and turned it back on. When I turned it back on it happened a little bit quicker for the "warm up period" (where it sits at 1500 for about a min). Then when it came back down to 1000 it was back to 1000. I did a little reading and I'm afraid of a lifter... but what do you guys suggest?

Thanks Again!!!

[Willyum]

A tappet noise will likely be more frequent than 1 second intervals. I would check over the serpentine belt, loosen it or take it off for a test to see if it or any of the components it powers are responsible.