so the noise was going away because the temp was getting higher, but we just had a cold snap yesterday, and the noise was really bad. usually it goes away when the engine temp goes up, but the car got totally warm and it was still there and didn't go away at all. it sounded like a hardcore knock, so i brought it to by buddy who is a machanic, turns out that the sound that sounded like the lifters was the timing belt tensioner (i think that is what he said it was, could have been the cam shaft tensioner, ill talk to him today and see what it really was). i was told when i replaced the timing belt that usually the tensioners dont need replacing and that they are good to go. but i would have the timing belt, components and tensioner replaced if you haven't yet. luckily my timing didn't skip.

 

I have the same exact thing happen with my eclipse. i have a 2003 eclipse GTS with 73000 miles. when it is cold it makes the same noise your describing and also sometimes if i dont drive it for a couple days.

 

yep mine used to do that too. if i didn't drive it for a while or it was cold it would make that noise. i just replaced the tensioner last week, and i have not heard the noise since, even when the car would sit for a while or if it was cold. so if you have not had that belt and tensioner replaced, i would get the belt, tensioner, and gears replaced.

 

time for a set of auto lash adjusters. noise will go away!!