Kia Optima, Engine Tapping Sound

Recently, I did work on the power steering system of my 2002 Kia Optima.  Because I work many hours, it took me a few weeks to complete.  During this time, the car was cranked only briefly a few times.  Most of the time, it sat in my garage without being cranked.

When I finally cranked the car, there was a loud tapping sound coming from the top of the engine.  Since I had not done any recent work on the engine itself, I realized that this probably had to do with the car sitting still for so many days.

Someone suggested to me that I do an oil change with a new filter because the filter could be disallowing the proper oil pressure.  So I changed the oil and filter.  I then cranked the car and the tapping sound was still there.

Another person suggested that the valves were not being "pumped up" adequately.  He suggested that if I allow the car to idle for about 20 minutes, the valve might pump up and the noise would cease.  So, I allowed the car to idle for about 25 minutes.  When I returned to check on the car, the noise was almost gone.  I turned the car off and let it sit for about 10 minutes.  I then cranked the car and I did not hear the noise.

I drove the car a few miles yesterday and today and the tapping sound seems to be gone.  So, if this happens to you, before you freak out, do what I did and...

1. Do an oil change with a new filter
2. Allow your car to idle for 20 minutes at a time
3. Make a note if the noise increases or decreases

I did not get around to it, but if this were to happen again, I would probably add some "Sea Foam" lubricant to the crank case for good measure.

I hope I have helped you.