2002 Chevrolet Cavalier Tapping Noise

2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
120,000 MILES
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CTEENER77
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Sometimes when I start my car there is a loud tapping or clanking sound coming from the front of my car. As it idles it will quiet down but it's still there and it sounds like a rattle or tapping. The loud part doesn't always happen but when it does it's when I first start my car. It only happens about 30 percent of the time. When I accelerate the tapping speeds up and then slows down when I release the gas pedal. I just had an oil change and the serpentine belt was replaced but the tapping still happens. An oil additive was out in and the engine lubed. What could the problem be?
Nov 17, 2013 at 5:18 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Since it changes speed with the engine speed, it sounds like the lifters or rockers are ticking. Does the engine ever run rough when you hear this noise? Does the noise eventually go away after the engine runs for a minute or so?
Nov 17, 2013 at 5:54 PM
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CTEENER77
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No the engine doesn't seem to be running rough while it happens but yes after it's been running awhile the sound does start to go away
Nov 17, 2013 at 6:38 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Since it goes away, I would say you have a lifter that is collapsed causing the tapping and then it builds pressure back up causing the sound to go away.
Nov 17, 2013 at 6:40 PM
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CTEENER77
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Thanks for your help
Nov 17, 2013 at 6:41 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Glad to help.
Nov 17, 2013 at 6:43 PM