1996 Chevy Tahoe changing engines

No, i, am not planning on changing the engine. If I can save it, I really dont have the money for another engine. What are the procedures for checking to see if the push rods and lifters are worn andto see if they are getting enough oil. I know I take the valve cover off, what do I do next?

I romoved the valve covers on both sides and I noticed they both have water deposits in them also little spots of water around inthe top of the head, but none on the dip stick, it, s really very little water I see, but I know I should, nt be seeing any (right). So could this be and intake problem or head gasket problem. Also I removed each spark plug and thers no water present on them. Now do I still remove the push rods to check and see if any are bent or do I need to check something else at this point

Do you mean does the water I found in the valve covers smell or taste like antifreeze

I checked the valve covers out they dont smell like antifreeze and they dont have that sweet antifreeze taste. They got that old, need a oil change oil change bad taste

I checked the push rods and rocker arms for oil, they are getting plenty of oil, also I poured oil on them while the truck was running, but the noise didn't stop , also do I still need to do the job with the transmission, the flex plate and flywheel? Because i'am really gonna need you to stick with me on this one. Because I though the flex plate and the flywheel where the same thing but I guess they are not. Can you explain that procedure one more time, you left out a few words on your reply and I want to be sure I do the job right the first time. Also when I had the truck running the noise sounds like it's under the intake manifold, I didn't have a peice of hose to hold to my ear and the other end on the manifold to try to pinpoint the location of the noise. I just wanted to mention this to you. Also I know for a fact you are exellent with what you do(IN MY BOOK ) a MASTER, MASTER MECHANIC. Thanks for helping me.

I had edited my other post but I think you had read it before I reposted it. But the question was, that the noise sounds like it's under the intake manifold. And when I let the truck run I didn't see any water in the oil, and I have'nt checked the compression yet, but i'll get on the job the first thing monday morning

No, it does'nt backfire through the maniflod, and yes I can get a audio clip of the sound on a cassette tape, i'll mail it to you if you like (i'amm just following the rules). The noise starts after the truck has been running for about ten seconds(it;s like plapp, plapp, plapp)and it's there every time I start it and I can shut it off and crank it up again and it's there, buti notice if I put the truck in reverse the noise is'nt as loud, and if I put it in drive it's not as loud, iguess the engine idles down once it's in gear, and idles faster in park but I do know it's idleing correct

The noise is loud enough to hear 2 houses up the street from my house, also my wife said she hears the noise in the house when I start the truck up and thetruck is in my driveway and my beedroom is on the back of the house, so I think it's pretty loud, also if I can fit a rebuild in my budget can you tell me how to go about ordering the parts i'll need $500.00-$600.00 is good price. As soon as my son get my compression tester back to me, i'll let you know the readings I come up with

What weight engine oil do you recommend as being the thickest oil I can buy