hydraulic valve lifter noise

["C. H. Lemon" <br00206@bingsuns.cc.binghamton.edu>]

Hello.....

I've been receiving quattro digest for some time mow.  This, however, is 
my first posting.

I have a question that maybe someone could help me with.  I have an '88 
90 10V with 104K.  All of the lifters were replaced about 7K ago.  I've 
noticed lately, ever since the weather has been getting cold again, that 
the new lifters make that unmistakable "tapping" noise upon start-up when 
the engine is cold.  The tapping persists for about 10 to 20 seconds then 
attenuates.  

Bently and Chilton both state that some lifter noise is normal when the 
engine is cold.  My question: is the situation I've described considered 
normal??  Or, did the dealer screw up (which, btw, wouldn't surprise me 
one bit; avoid Feduke Motors, previously know as Gardner Motors, if you 
live in the southern tier of NY or northern PA.  Their service department 
isn't all that great......).

Any thoughts on the topic will be appreciated.  Thanks.

A. Romeo
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'88 90
'87 ALFA Milano Platinum
'76 TR7 (highly modified)