Lifter noise?

[auto_mran]

Now that morning temperatures are in the 50's, I'm hearing a slight tapping noise from the 96 Grand Voyager (see sig) upon start-up. Once the engine is warmed up, the noise disappears. Sounds like the lifters.

This past July, I let the G. Voyager sit for a week. When I finally started it, I heard a terrible racket. My mechanic said a lifter (or lifters) had bled down and not to worry, as this happens some times.

So my question is: Do I need new lifters? I don't believe they can be adjusted but I might be wrong. The van runs perfectly for the 114,500 miles it has on the original engine/transmission. Burns about 1 1/4 quarts of oil (5w30 per the manual) between changes but no blue smoke out of the exhaust pipe. Doesn't leak a drop of anything and I'm averaging 17-18 mpg in the city.

Can I just live with it without causing any internal damage just like I've learned how to live with the constant chirping of the serpentine belt?

Also, I should point out that this lifter noise has been going on for the past 2-3 years, but only in the cooler months. During the summer, there's no noise.

Thanks.

[acton mike]

the chirping of the belt can be cured by replacing the tensioner and or the idler pullies provided the chiping is not coming from the the water pump, alternator aor A/C is so equipped.

Tappet noise after the vehicle has been sitting idle for a while is a shockiong yet normal situation and it normaly corrects itself as the lifter(s) pump up
lifter noise when cold with an engine with some 150,000 miles in not uncommon and not a problem; if the noise does not go away as the engine warms then you may want to think aboout replacing the lifters or turning up the radio - it all depends on how sensistive you are to mechanical noises

mild tappet noise, in my opinion, is not a cause for wholesale mechanical work

[auto_mran]

Well that's great news regarding the lifter noise. I was pretty sure it was nothing major but just need some reinforcement from DodgeTalk.

Regarding the belt chirp, the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley have all been changed recently and the water pump was changed many moons ago while the van was still under warranty. The A/C and alternator are original. I bought the van (used) in West Texas and there was no chirping. Moved to southeast Georgia and about a month later, the chirping started. This past June, took the van on vacation to New York and the chirping magically disappeared. Returned to Georgia and so did the chirp, albeit about a month later. Am relocating back to West Texas and I bet the chirp disappears. IT'S GOTTA BE THE HUMIDITY!!!!

[acton mike]

crickets perhaps?