Thanks to all on mail list for their input on my stuck lifter problem.
This week-end I tried the advice of some members to drive it around for
10 miles of so to see if it loosens up. It didn't, so since I am not
completely sure if its the lifter or not I immediately dropped it off at
a local VW mechanic.  It ran fine, no decrease in performance since
before the tapping sound, but I am still not sure if its the lifter or
not.
I talked to the mechanic about the oil change he did a week ago, and he
put in castrol GTX 20w40 and a new mahle/mann oil filter, so I guess
using a heavier weight oil did not help it. He said that if it is a
lifter that it really not a good idea to replace it, and that its a
labor intensive job. When he said that I could see dollar signs start
adding up.
If the cost is prohibitive and it is the lifter, I will try the next
list suggestion and try marvel mystery oil in the oil.
Can anyone tell me how you go about locating what lifter it is that's
the problem? Can I run the engine with the valve cover off? Any help
here is a benefit because I have never done this before, but I'm willing
to dive right in a save my engine. One list member laid out a basic
procedure on how to replace the lifter, but right now I would like to
know how to locate the faulty part without taking the whole engine
apart.
Does anyone on the list have a Bentley for a 81 vanagon they would like
to sell cheap?
Thanks to all who have offered suggestion's.

Mark Kazman