Mitsubishi Repair: still has pecking noise after replacing lifters, balance shaft, drive belts

Question
QUESTION: We just had a valve job done and replaced all the lifters
You mentioned that clogged injectors could also cause the noise, but the car now runs great. Could the injectors still be the problem

ANSWER: Richard,
If the car is running well, then there shouldn't be a problem with the injectors.  Injectors will also make some level of ticking noise when they are operating.  You can try some fuel injector cleaner in a tank full of premium fuel.  Though even new lifters can tick if the oil pressure is low due to lack of oil, dirty oil, or the improper weight of oil in the system.  The noise will also be more prevalent in a cold engine.
Good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I forget to say the car is a 1997 eclipse 2.0 no turbo engine, but you answered the question anyway.  Is there
anything else you recommend checking.  I just put a new
timing belt on about 5000 miles ago.  The peck does not  sound
like a rod or wrist pin.  Does the balance shaft ever make this type noise, if so, will it hurt to run the engine. thanks
Richard

Answer
Richard,
The balance shaft should not be making any noise.  Tracking down noises is tough since there are so many moving parts that close together.  If the car is running fine, then the noise shouldn't be doing any harm.  Though if you haven't changed your drive belts within that past 30,000 miles, you may want to do that.  It's possible the bearings on one of your pulleys wearing.
Good luck!