Every time I decelerate to an almost stop (using engine break) and then step on the gas again I hear a noise reminescent of an old engine with valves out of adjustment. This happens mostly when I accelerate uphill after decelerating (using prolonged engine break) from downhill to a stop or almost stop. If I back off the accelerator for a moment and then accelerate again the sound disappears. The 104 engine has hydraulic lifters so it sounds to me that the lifters are starving of oil therefore the valves are noisy. Engine has 180k miles on it, burns about 1 quart of oil per 3000 miles (that is expensive syntetic quart) otherwise starting and running flawlessly. Any suggestion is appreciated.

Alex