Lifter tick? Or something?

[Tauni]

1990 Galant LS.

I have been having a problem with disappearing oil. I'd put some in and the next day I'd already be low. Well the other day I could hear a ticking so I checked and ended up adding a bit of oil, but figured I'd just go get an oil change within the next few days when I had time. However, the next day I heard it again so I checked it and once again, I needed more oil. So I added more, just enough to fill it up. Then I heard it again the next day after that. So I brought it home and checked it, and it was still pretty much full! It had lost some, but definitely NOT enough to make the lifter tick. So I got it up on jacks to see if it was leaking, and it didn't seem to be. I know I'm not burning any oil, so I checked my valve cover gasket and THAT was leaking. It also seemed to be somewhat coming out of the cap.

I was going to do an oil change anyways but who ever did the last oil change before I got it screwed the damn plug in to tight and I couldn't get it off to drain the oil. But its still full.

So here's my question, is there anything ELSE that would make a lifter tick? I didn't think a lifter ticked at ALL if there was enough oil in it? Could it be possible that I'm hearing something else and mistaking it for the lifter?

I think this weekend I'm going to take it in and get an oil change done and see about getting the valve cover gasket done. I'd do it myself, but I honestly don't have time.

Suggestions, comments, etc?