Chevrolet Repair: Tapping 1-2 minute after start-up, oil gauge, pcv valve

Question
Mark:
Last week I blew a rad hose. The 1995 Blazer 4.3, 4x4 overheated. Oil gauge indicated zero, turned off ignition with no damage evident. Towed to repair to be safe …all checked okay with no detectable damage. Cold here in Canada and now has a quiet start up, but “after” 1-2 minutes a small and obvious single tapping noise like a bad lifter.  Could it be a lifter problem or more serious internal problems?
Thanks in advance and hope you can assist.
Craig R


Answer
Hi Craig, I would love it if I could only hear it for a minute to give you a answer. If it sounds like a lifter it could be, these do go bad and the most common reason is coolant in the oil. Be sure your intake manifold is not leaking into the oil, sure way to tell is a brown milkshake like stuff on the under side of the valve covers or even the pcv valve. If it is leaking replace all the lifters with after market lifters because the ones from GM are 8 times the money.  I don't think you have a serious problem so you need not to get worried.

Have a Great Day                 Mark