tapping nosie front of engine

Is the noise coming from the middle or top of the engine? Probably a sticky lifer. I am not sure on that one if the rocker arm can be adjusted or not, An oil additive for freeing up lifters you can try. Just ask at your locale parts store.

Sound like its coming from timing cover. Comes and goes.

On the front of the engine inside the timing cover, it is a gear set-up, no timing chain. The lifters are down toward the middle of the engine. I'm not sure but the timing gear that goes on the camshaft looks to be a fiber gear. I am prone to think it is a sticky lifter.

What oil additive do you suggest? For lifter issue.. I did climb under the truck and heard it louder. Thanx for all your suggestions

Just go to your local parts store, they have all sorts of stuff, they can suggest something.

Just had a friend( City mechanic) with a stethascope and sound is coming from timing cover... Gears going bad?.. Plastic gears?

Good one, I forgot about that, yes, I believe the camshaft has a fiber gear on it. A tooth cold have broke off.

Well, just my luck the crankshaft is bad. The harmonic balancer was rubbing on the timing cover.. Either I find someone to rebuild engine cheap and hopefully no other problems and run another 200,000 miles. Or sell it and lose money. Ugh ! Thanx for all your input. Most appreciated.