I have a 1999 camaro 3.8L. Two weeks ago, I changed the water pump, plugs, wires, serp belt, and also changed the oil. Now the car is making a clicking noise in the upper engine. It sounds like lifters have bleed out. At first, it would go away, but now it does not go away. Could the lifters not build back up? If that is the case, what can be done besides replace the lifters?

 

what oil and filter did you use? how does the oil look and smell? what is the oil pressure, at first start and afther warming to operating temp?

 

Get or make yourself a stethoscope and search around with your ear to make sure you're hearing what you think you are. A bad fuel injector can make a clicking sound, so can an exhaust leak at the head and/or at the manifold to headerpipe connection.

 

Harbor Freight sells automotive stethoscopes cheap! Everyone should get one on hand!

 

Oil was black as hell and smelt alright. Oil pressure is perfectly normal at start up and warmed up.