Just bought a used 91 Eclipse a little over a week ago and now I have this tapping noise coming from the top of the motor.[&:] Just wanted some feedback on a possible diagnosis.[sm=shootshoot.gif]

 

very possible: lifter tick
it does no harm, its usually louder when the car is warming up then quiets down, very common on our cars

 

Actually, its quiet on start up and is noisy once it gets warm. I don't think its just lifter tick because I only hear one tick, not four.

 

lifter tick does not sound like 4, its just a clicking noise. But if it gets louder after its warmed up I would say its something else.

 

happened to mee too. i just bought a 90 eclipse it was low on oil so is also makes that sound! a LOUD *** ticking noise! but as soon i put enough oil in it, it went fine or i would suggest bro. changed ur oil and put lucas oil stabilizer or put pure syntec oil in it. let me know what happens nex, Gud Luk. [sm=shootsshoot.gif][hr]
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i learned in my engine class thats the cause of carbon build up and could cause vaulve lock up but my car does the same thing and if it still works dont fix it!

 

could be a valve worn sticking? But I have the lifter tick that dsm was talking about, I usually only hear it in the morning