tapping noise from engine at certian RPMs

[slammin]

Hi,
I have a 2003 Vibe with the 1ZZ engine. Just passed 175K. In the last few days I've noticed a tapping sound from the engine at about 2000 RPM under no load and closer to 2800 PRM when I'm driving. At the last oil change I was down a little more than half a quart also. I've never had any oil consumption before. Oil changes have aalways been done at 10K intervals with full synthetic.
I need some help diagnosing what might be causing the tapping sound. I had read about other having issues with the oil control valve and filter on the VVT system, so I pulled those off this weekend. Here is a picture:

Looks pretty clean to me. I also pulled the spark plugs and couldn't find any signs of oil fouling.

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

[slammin]

Here is the filter:

[silverbullet]

if there is a solution to this besides a rebuilt head or valves being adjusted i hope you can find it. i have the same problem too. i believe it is related to valve lash

[djkeev]

Check your valve clearances, easy to do and you'll have a chance to examine your cam lobes and tappets as well.
Adjusting is no easy task, requires a selection of tappets, a micrometer, some basic math and a lot of work.

Oil use? Suspect intake valve stem seals. They dry over time and allow oil to bypass on the suction / intake stroke.

Dave