The piston slap sound is probably valve knock. It's a common problem for the first generation Sportage engine. It can be adjusted by a service department or yourself if you have the knowhow and tools, but will eventually come back. Doing the maintaince as Everet has suggested is great and might help with some of the noise. Using a good quality synthetic oil or synthetic blend oil when you do the oil change will also help.

Replacing the timing belt would not be a bad idea either. You should change them at 60,000 miles (US) anyway. While doing the timing belt, it's also a good idea to replace the water pump and timing belt tensioner.

Removing the belt to stop the A/C from working will resolve the symptom, but the problem is still there. You might want to have an A/C shop take a look at it first.

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