i have a 1993 ram with a 239 v6 that has 73k miles on it. Cold start, the engine makes a clicking/knocking sound. it seems to be coming from the valves or maybe the radiator fan or maybe the serpentine belt, sounds more like the valves though. anyway, it clicks/knocks semi-loud or atleast you can hear it with the hood up, after it warms up for about 5-20mins it quiets way down or stops all together eventually.. the engine runs very smooth other than this, but it bothers me a little bit.. im no expert mechanic and have no clue what it really might be, or even if its worth worrying about.. i guess my question is should i worry about this and what is it exactly?

 

Clicking/knocking are not normal engine sounds. Could be a lot of things without more info. How often do you change your oil? You might try a can of oil additive to free up a possible sticking lifter.

 

when i bought the truck it had pretty clean oil in it, and it doesnt burn/use/leak any oil at all so i would guess the man i bought it from changed it regularly. i changed the oil and filter the day i bought it. bought it at 71k miles. it's definitely not a rod knock, and its not nearly that loud if that helps. ill try the oil additive could be lifters. the noise goes away completely once the truck warms up a little bit and the whole thing sounds much quieter/smoother. i know the man put new spark plug wires on it it sounds like its coming from that general area don't know if that could possibly cause this sound.