Originally Posted by cgocifer
I'm almost positive that it's lifter tick. It is really loud though, kinda like this: KNOCK, KNOCK, TICK, Tick, tick, tick, smooth. After sitting over night, I started it again this morning and it didn't happen again. Seems like sitting for long periods lets the oil drain to the pan completely. Then when started, it takes a second or two for the oil to make it back to the valve train. Never had that happen on any of my other cars before, and I've had some sit for 3 months at a time.
The oil type and its viscosity range plays a role in this ticking noise too.Especially the 0-weight oils show this kind of noises after longing periods of no activity. I wouldn't worry about that noise at all! The valve tappets drain totally out and need to refill with oil again one the motor is running!
One would cause more harm by running (idling) the motor every couple days without load and thorough warming!
HJM