Could be, Out of adjustment Worn camshaft Worn lifters Worn pushrods Worn rockers All of the above.
Rods and Rocker arms were the problem with my Malibu after changing lifters
The most common cause of lifters knocking is low oil pressure.
Cheap gas
It is normally caused by sticking hydraulic lifters or lifters that need adjustment. Try pouring one can of Seafoam in the crankcase. If it helps then change the oil at your normal interval and then add another can. You can buy it at any auto parts store and Walmart.
mine has been doing the same thing and its either a head gasket or a cracked head im just replacing my motor
were the valve tappets adjusted correctly they need to be rotated during adjustments ,also make sure you have correct viscosity oil in engine. it has hydraulic lifters and if oil is cheap, it will aerate and cause rattling
Ticking in an engine generally refers to the valves. If ticking is apparent on a 1994 Chevy Lumina tighten the valves to factory specifications.
A tapping sound from the engine of a car that has been sitting for 2 months could indicate low oil level or old oil. It could also be a sign of lack of lubrication to the engine components, like the lifters or valves. It's best to have a mechanic inspect the engine to diagnose the exact cause of the tapping sound.
it will cause the engine to overheat and also coolant to enter the oil system, which will in turn cause wear of the lifters.
low oil pressure could be one cause cold oil is heavier in viscoity and as it warms it gets thinner, the lifters are not getting the oil inside of them causing them to colaspe try having a new oil pump installed
This is odd........usually lifters clatter or rattle when cold due to losing their oil pressure when the engine is turned off and they bleed down. They don't stop tapping until they build pressure back up. I would guess your oil pressure is higher at start up.......and your lifters are either holding some pressure but as the engine heats up, the oil thins out and the lifters do not hold their necessary pressure and start to make noise. Do you have an oil pressure gauge? You could try running a heavier viscosity oil and see if it quiets them down. Otherwise you may need to pull the intake manifold off and start looking at them. Wish I could help more.