The loud tapping sound can be caused by a complete heating of the engine. Worn tappets can also cause the tapping sound.
hydraulic lifter? Rocker arm?
Stuck hydraulic lifter.
loose exhaust
mabey something is not all the way tight
after market oil filter have been known to cause engine noises in kia's
Valves tapping?
can you elaborate? engine noise? stationary/moving? ticking, tapping or a definite knocking?
The 3.0L engine had a problem with the lifters that would cause the top end to tick. There is a TSB i believe on how to fix it. If the ticking is coming from the bottom of the engine (sometimes hard to tell) then you might have a Con-Rod knock that starting to show. Eitherway take it to a mechanic for diagnoses.
fuel leak on top of what type of engine, gas or diesel?
The speaker suggests that the tapping sound might be caused by someone tapping on the window to try and scare them or get their attention.
Most likely cause-valvetrain noise, check oil level, pressure, also possible engine knock. If you have a knock sensor, mil should be illuminated