Kawasaki slap

[everyman]

Hello,
This .org looks great! I do need an opinion.
My '02 Nomad has the Kawasaki Klap in the engine. Recently, it's become louder, beyond "that's just the way they sound". So called experts, including shop wrenches have said, "needs valve adjustments", "it's a piston slap", "tappets" (?).
Does anyone have any better suggestions? I've done regular maintenance, e.g., oil/filter changes, etc. Sure beats me.
The noise has become loud enough to know something is clearly wrong. I just hate going to a wrench and having him tell me, "naw, that's just the way Kaws sound", again.
Anyone else have or had this problem? If so, what was your outcome?

Thanks in advance.

Larry Gowdy
"The Walk'n Dude"
'02 Nomad
Longview, Wa.