On my truck ever since I pust new plugs, cap, rotor, oil it does this.
When I fisrt start it up it idels real rough, and it has what sounds like an exhaust leak or a valve tick. Usually the very first time you hit the gas pedel it will almost stall out then after that it does do it again. Once it warms up it runs strong and fine and doesnt tick.

Not sure what it could be, Its the 4cyl moter 5spd. The truck is a 96 sport.

 

check the timing lately? Distributor could be loose. did you double check and make sure the wires are routed correctly? What weight of oil did you use? A heavy weight or synthetic oil could cause a stuck lifter to stand out more. Stick with conventional 5w-30. you might clean the throttle body also. if none of those issues work you might adjust the idle speed control. Good luck!

 

Im not sure what weight oil i put in, but i did just change it with full synthetic.

One of the mounts for the distributor is cracked so this doesnt allow the cap to be fully tight on the one side, but i dont think that could be the problem because of how the tick and rough running goes away once its warmed up.

I may want to try a new o2 sensor.

Me and my friend thought that it may be the doughnut gasket to the down pipe. This causes a leak and the tick until it warms up and expands fully sealing the leak which cause the tick to go away... But im not sur that seems a bit unlikely that it could be that

 

mine sounds like it has a .600 lift cam in it when it first starts in the morning and then it will smooth out, i think it is pretty cool so i have not messed with it. Put some lucas oil stabilizer in it and see if it still ticks, it probably it dry starting and getting oil to the top of the motor, mine did it for a while but i use valvoline 10w40 and a quart of lucas every other oil change. No ticks or leaks with 170,000 on it and i rag the **** out of it every day.

 

I have the same situation with a cold start in the morning. Engine lopes for approximately 30 seconds. I suspect it has something to do with O2 sensor heating up to operating temperature. I hada misfire, code 27 with my 92 Dakota with221,561 miles. I replaced the coil, plug wires, rotor, distributor cap, distributor pick up assembly, crankshaft position indicator, inlet air temp switch, idle air control valve and new fuel filter to no avail. Yesterday I replaced the throttle postion switch and so far no CEL illuminated.
Today I plan on replacing the coolant temp switch.