Random Puttering Sounds (1999 Ford Explorer 4.0 SOHC)

[ClappTrapp]

Sometimes when I start it up it doesn't make the noise, other times it does, and I have to restart the car a few times for it to stop.
It doesn't seem to have any impact on performance and stops after I've hit 25-30 mph.
Any ideas on what might be causing this.

PS, if anyone knows of any lift kits for this thing, that would be awesome!

 

[2000StreetRod]

internal or external?

You might try removing the serpentine belt and run the engine for a minute or less to determine if the noise is internal or external to the engine.