87 Terc tapping-clatter sound when started this morning

[71Firebird]

Hi,
My son has a 87 Tercel and it uses a bit of oil. Went out this morning to start it and there was a loud tapping-clatter type sound coming from the engine. I checked oil, nothing on the dipstick, filled it up, started back up and sound is still there.
Will attempt to remove the valve cover this evening, he has a Hyanes manual, as this is where the sound seems to be coming from. What should we be looking for, can this be a broken spring, or rocker loose?
Any help would be appreciated, we're kinda unexperienced with mechanical work, I mean we can take the valve cover off and replace gaskets, tune up, timming, plugs, but never did anything with valves or anything.
Thanks much!
Steve & Jason

[71Firebird]

Could this be caused by a stuck hydraulic lifter?....IF so, would that be an easy/garage-read-the-manual repair?
Thanks
Steve & Jason

[dusthead]

just saw this thread when i searched for a sound under the valve cover...almost sounds like we're in the same boat. see if it applies to you too:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...47#post2986947