I went through all this with my last engine (just replaced engine and dont have tikc/tap issue now). IMHO, most people say that the cylinder sleeve tap usually waits until the engine heats up, things expand etc.. thereby allowing it to move freely. I tried mystery oil additive and it stopped things thus I concluded mine was probably a sticking lifter and not cylinder sleeve. Eventually came back but stopped for at least three months.

 

I recommend you consider switching to a 10/40 viscosity synthetic oil and use premium gas only, start with a full tank and a can of sea foam. Put some miles on it and continue to troubleshoot, if all of that has already been eliminated as a possible fix then disregard this post.

 

And I mean 93 octane or higher.

 

I will try those things. Thanks all!