Lifter tapping hey!! my 1991 ford explorer has had this problem for over a year i dont have the money to even get it looked at right now my question is what happens exactly when it goes out or what are some signs that its about to??

The tappet noise usually will get louder and louder as it wears. A totally collapsed lifter will definitely be noticeable by loss of power to that cylinder, misfiring, and excessive noise. But then again your current lifter noise could be possibly maintained for years to come by regular and consistent oil changes.

Tapping means its going when it collapses-- minor damage bent push rod bent valve --med problem cam crack head -- major problem-blown engine--it will collapse with out warning --the tapping is ur warning