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With absolutely no oil I think you would have been pretty lucky to make it a mile or two farther - no oil pressure really is one of those 'turn the key off and coast to a halt' sort of things - the engine can really destroy itself in a matter of less than a minute if deprived of oil. So *if* you ran it without oil, chances are that you did damage. If you did, you would see metal flakes and debris when you drain the oil. If you don't see any little metal flakes, I wouldn't worry about it (too much). If you do see metal flakes, game over - just pull the motor and get ready for a complete rebuild.
The tappets aren't directly affected by opil pressure - they are solid and not hydraulic like many newer cars. They are also lube primarily by splashing from the crank, so even if the oil pressure failed they would continue to get splashed and shouldn't experience any accelerated wear (other than perhaps form metal frgments from the disintegrating rod and main bearings!). And last but not least if they did wear anything, the cam lobe tips would be the first to go - and worn cam lobe tips won't make them any looser. So I think the lifter noise is not related - maybe you are just hyper-attentive to the noises it usually makes.
I've replaced an oil pump on a 145E before with the motor in the car - as already mentioned you have to support the motor, unbolt the crossmember, and lower it down about as far as it will go without unhooking all the steering and brake stuff. Leave the trans mount attached. It's a hassle, but slightly less hassle than pulling the entire motor.
Of course, I'd check a second way that you really have no oil pressure. Hook up a temporary mechnical gauge (like a $15 el-cheapo from Wa - Wal - oh I can't say it - err - any low price mass merchandiser) and start it up. Or just pull the valve cover and coil wire, and crank it around for a while and see if you get oil at the rocker shaft.
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I'm JohnMc, and I approved this message.
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