1997 Ford F-150 Lifter noise

Ok a year ago I had a crate engine put in by Holly Creek Automotive Holly Creek Oklahoma. After of months of waiting and two mechanics later I was told it was ready. I picked it up and I noticed lifter noise. They told me this was ok due to the break in process. I took it back three days later when I noticed a yellow foam in the oil. They thought I was crazy and told me it was just a little moisture getting in through the oil cap. But that very day when I showed up to get it they said it over headed and the block cracked. They ordered another crate engine and flour months later I get a call saying that they put in the replacement and it had lifter noise so they ordered another one. Another three months later I get a call saying it was ready but instead of a replacement engi ethey were told to replace the lifter. They told me that it was fixed but I still heard a tick. That tick itturni pinto a steady lifter noise every start up but goes away a after awhile. Can this be the oil pump even though the gauge reads 3/4 to the high side?