Engine tapping after oil and belt change '90 740 GL Wagon

[Jdullwitted]

Three weeks ago, I had an oil change done by regular mechanic. At that time, two of the three belts were changed - omitted a/c belt - because they were worn. Engine tapping was immediate, and has been getting worse. Asked mechanic about it the day after the oil and belt change and he said he didn't hear anything. But he also said, "some cars just don't like me" - translation, he doesn't want to work on my car anymore.

Starting in October, he had replaced the steering rack, due to power steering fluid leak - but it took three attempts for the rack to be okay, and eventually necessitated his buying a part from a different manufacturer. But even with the third rack, there was knocking on right-left wheel turn. Another mechanic looked at the belts, tightened them, and this decreased the knocking, but they needed replacement.

I took the car to my regular mechanic, wanting to make sure that if there was still a problem with the rack, he would address it. He replaced the belts and did an oil change using, 10W30 - Valvoline. (The car has 185,000 miles on it). The car had had regular oil changes, but for whatever reason, 5,000 had passed since the last oil change. Not good. (A lot was going on and I spaced on having it done). I drove three blocks home, and the engine was tapping. When I checked the oil level, it was one quart down. Mechanic verified that he put in the required 4 quarts. I drove 5 miles. Rechecked, and the oil level was up to maximum, and had allowed for the engine to cool down to 3-block drive-level temperature.

As I said, the tapping has increased. it might be coincidence, but I think I'd better go after the immediate possible causes. There is no drop in oil level after three weeks. I don't know whether to have the oil filter alone changed, if it might be a bad filer. it was a NAPA gold filter; or pay someone else for a complete oil and filter change, and use heavier? weight oil; and/or, could this engine tapping remotely have to do with the new belt installation. All thoughts on this appreciated.