When I start my 2004 max with 109,xxx miles cold , I hear a faint tapping noise coming from the top of the engine , this happend before and I changed my oil and it stopped . Now it's doing it again. Could it be a lifter ? And is it easy to fix or should I take it to a shop

 

Try changing the oil again. Good chance it's coming from the timing chain area which is pretty common for making some clatter noise (especially on start up).

 

Try adding 1 can of liqui moly to your oil and observe the results after 200 miles driven.

 

could be a bit of piston slap or a lifter. if it only happens when its cold and then goes away, i wouldnt worry about it unless the noise becomes constant

 

It is your timing chain, it will only get worse with time