The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Ok in the last 2 weeks I've lost about 1 qt of oil. 1.5 qts at the most. Well I pulled it in the driveway to track down the source of the leak. When I popped the hood I noticed it was making this sound and I've never heard this sound before. At the time of the video it wasn't that low on oil. I checked it before I started the car.

Car is a 96 Trans Am. I doubt that matters for this though.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Take belt of/start engine to confirm it's not coming from accessory. Take valve covers off and start checking your valvetrain components for excessive wear. If you don't find anything, pop the manifold and start checking lifters.

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Ok belt is off in this video. I'll pop the covers off and check. Is there a way to check valve train other than visually?

BALLSS

besides carefully looking, use a $4 stethoscope and put on top of each rocker stud while motor is running. same thing on exhaust header/manifold for each cyl.

If one cyl makes more noise than others, that would be the one to focus on.

sudden oil consumption could mean you broke a spring and it compromised the valve stem seal or you bent the valve

popping the valve covers would visually show that immediately

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

It's not burning anything it was leaking just didn't know how bad. The covers are off at the moment and everything looks good. No broken springs. Haven't done the stethoscope on the rockers yet.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Is it a tap or a screech? Sounds like a screech to me.

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like 3 taps about every 4-5 seconds. I'm thinking it's the lifters. I'm hoping someone can prove me wrong though.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

What's done to the engine?

The Outlaw Kid

iTrader: (1)

Internals are stock. Didn't mess with anything when I had the intake and covers off.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

I dunno. I think I'd try to readjust the valvetrain and see what happens before going any further. If you don't know how, now is the time to learn:
http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#adjust_valves
I'd also check the plugs to make sure they're all tight. If they're loose they can produce a tap noise.