Lifter (?) noise on cold startup

[Porch40]

When the temperature hits around 40 degrees I'm starting to hear what sounds like a valve lifter tapping on the first startup of the day. The sound lasts for about 30 seconds and then goes away. It doesn't re-appear until the next day if the temps are cooler. I hear it slightly in warmer temperatures but have to be listening for it. The truck has 40k on it. Has had mobil-1 5w-30 since 5k miles changed every 4k. Just changed the oil around 1000 miles ago and it's full. Anyone have a similar problem or have any ideas as to what it might be ?

Thanks for your help,
Scott

[Sport]

Could be the anti-drainback valve in the oil filter is not holding the oil up in the engine overnight. You did use a Motorcraft FL820S, right?

I say this, but it shouldn't take 30 seconds for the lifters to pump up even if the filter was dry. Piston slap is a possibility, but a remote one I'd think.

[akrewat]

[ QUOTE ]

When the temperature hits around 40 degrees I'm starting to hear what sounds like a valve lifter tapping on the first startup of the day. The sound lasts for about 30 seconds and then goes away. It doesn't re-appear until the next day if the temps are cooler. I hear it slightly in warmer temperatures but have to be listening for it. The truck has 40k on it. Has had mobil-1 5w-30 since 5k miles changed every 4k. Just changed the oil around 1000 miles ago and it's full. Anyone have a similar problem or have any ideas as to what it might be ?

Thanks for your help,
Scott

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd make sure you check the plugs right away. Could be one getting loose.

Or it's piston slap, but that's a little iffy.

Try the screwdriver method of finding the ticking - may be an injector.

[Porch40]

Thanks for the help guys. akrewat, you mention the screwdriver method ? I've done the chunk of gardenhose/stethescope before on other cars but haven't heard of the screwdriver method. I'm always ready to learn!

Thanks

[jstrauss]

Well it ain't going to be a lifter since the Triton motors don't have any.

[todlake]

Scott,

Check your exhaust manifold bolts. They have a tendancy to break and the noise you're describing is typically what you'd hear. The other possibility is piston slap.

Robb [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]