Noise on cold start up

[Rascal08]

G'day Everyone,
New to the site and this is the first Explorer I've owned... so far I'm impressed!
Anyway she's a '97 4x4 XLT 4.0L SOHC, runs like a dream but on a cold start up the valves give a bit of chatter for no more than 2 seconds. Pretty minor I know, but over time things will start to wear. (and the noise is bloody annoying!)
I'm assuming the correct oil and filter may solve the problem, could anyone advise on a suitable oil (synthetic maybe?) and viscosity? I have a wixx filter to go in, and assume this will be up to the task.
Any advice would be much appreciated, could this be a more serious problem?
Cheers.

Russ
'97 4x4 XLT 4.0L SOHC

 

[Cobraguy]

G'Day to you too! Welcome aboard!

Is it valve noise or chain noise?

 

[Rascal08]

Thanks for the quick response.
I'm 99% sure the noise is in the valves, its a fairly distinctive sound of a dozen valves running dry for a couple of seconds, although I think I know where you are heading with your query.
Do these engines run hydraulic chain tensioners?
Cheers

Russ
'97 XLT 4x4 4.0L SOHC