Update:
I guess the problem fixed itself? Jeremy( the mechanic) said he drove it around the last couple days and the problem went away on its own. No more flashing CEL and no more tapping noise. He said to come pick it up whenever I'm ready. He said he thinks maybe one of the holes that are located in the discs leading to the lifter might have been temporarily plugged up with debris preventing the lifter from pumping up corrrectly. He said the flashing CEL might be caused by an O2 sensor sensing unburnt fuel. I'm a bit skeptical about this whole deal. I believe emissions malfunctions cause solid CEL's not flashing ones. I guess the proof will be in the pudding once the car is picked up. What do you guys think?
