At 06:19 AM 09/05/2002, you wrote:
>  Yesterday evening for the first time, I heard a
>tapping noise coming from the engine compartment right after I started (she
>has been sitting in the garage for the past three days), I believe it was a
>sticky valve problem, the noise went away after a short drive, then
>it returns to the normal smooth running.

If the tapping goes away in short order, there is no problem. If it
doesn't, first make sure you are using the proper weight oil and factory
correct filter. If that doesn't solve it, then use a motor flush solvent
for 50 miles or so then change the oil and filter again.