dark scorpion

iTrader: (2)

For those that had been following my posts, I had a hesitation at acceleration issue that turned out in the long run to be a bad alternator and battery not having enough juice to power the injectors.
Through that I had an overheating issue that was the fan connectors and relay getting burnt out somehow. Replaced the conncetors, relay and just for safety measures added the low temp cooling fan switch and 170 degree
thermostat. That's all fine that the car doesn't overheat any more but here is the next issue:
I just today started to hear a tapping noise coming from the driver's side engine area near the alternator and the driver's valve cover. I hear when in idle and when the car is running.
PLEASE tell me this might not be a major issue as I have really had it with this car and I am ready to cut my losses and go after some other car (not another 3rd gen).
Help, guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am hoping it is something along the lines of a the timing chain but knowing my luck it will be something major.
I await possible diagnosis.