Ticking noise from engine

[Qmark78]

I have a 1999 Mitsubishi Galant and anytime its started from cold it makes this dreadful ticking noise until i drive 10 miles or so and then its fine my theory is its a Tappet? if so how much to get it fixed and is there any solutions that i can do myself with my competant mechanical knowledge

[stanleyman]

Could be anything from sticking valves to piston slap. You can't do much until it has been identified apart from an oil and filter change and a good fast motorway run to burn off any carbon. If it is running fine after warming up, chances are it will cure itself after a while. If it gets worse then take the head off to check the valves but it may be a hydraulic tappet that needs identifying and changing before doing this.

[Qmark78]

Yeh i'll do that it just sounds crappy until its warm thanks