HI the ticking sound can also be an exhaust manifold gasket... happens a lot. A leaking exhaust manifold gasket can make a sound like a ticking lifter.. BUT well quite down as the motor warms up and parts expand and seal the gap.. check those as well. You can use a piece of hose (3 ft.) put one end to your ear and move the other end around the motor even touching parts and you well be able to hear where the sound is coming from.

good luck

tim

Hi so it is in a stage getting warm the oil is thicker the metal parts have wider tolerances so these is sometimes a ticking sound. all very normal with most engines. this is about engineering and tolerances within machines all common place when things get cold.

My 2002 Firebird has 202,000 miles and ticks when cold. The ticking sin't as bad when its wamed up, but is still there. I was told to use Castrol 15w40, but would like some input from you all first.

Thanks

that would be your valve shims, check engine oil grade.,cold start up will tend to make tapping sounds due to oil circulation