I am experiencing a bit of lifter tap a start up sometimes and have a very very small coolant leak that I do not think can be coming from anywhere other than the intake manifold.
My question, If you were going to do the job would you do it with the engine in the car or drop the engine. After having done the engine once It just looks like it would be just about as easy to take the engine out and do the lifters and all related gaskets on an engine stand as do it in the car.

 

depends on what size motor..

 

Sorry forgot that. I just assumed since I was in the V6 forum. But in any case it is a 1999 with a 3.8 V6

 

If you do pull it you should do the head gaskets also.

 

Yeah I thought about that also. So lets say you were going to break a 3.8 v6 down all the way to the point of replacing the head gaskets. Would you drop the engine or do it in the car?