Pontiac Repair: tapping noise, valve lifters, noise question

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2001 grand am with about 60,000 miles on it maybe a little more. It has been tapping mainly when the gas is LOW actually the tapping is all the time but you hear it more when gas is low. I don't have the money to get it fixed and I don't have the money to get a brand new car. Is there something I can do to help this myself?? should I add something to the gas or oil?? I need to have this car last at least 1 to 2 more years. The sooner I get the tapping to stop the sooner I will not hear my husband complain about it and try to talk me into another car.

I hope you can help.

Thanks
Kim

ANSWER: Hi
Could you please let me know which engine you have, either  the 2.4 4 cylinder engine or the 3.1L v-6 engine.
Thanks so much
Pawl

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

QUESTION: I believe it is a v-6.. yes it is. also I wanted to add no check engine light come on nothing just the tapping. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi
Is the tapping louder at first start up?
Does it tap on acceleration or just normal driving?
At idle in park, or at idle like at a stop light?
The 3.4 V-6 does make alot of tapping noise. Usually the Valve lifters are at fault. They tap loudest at first start up and get quieter as oil pressure increases.
Please follow back if needed when tapping is most noticable.
Thanks
Pawl