I have a two-wheel drive 2.3 1996 4-cylinder Ranger and over the last year when it was real real cold when I'd start it the valves would Clank but then go away I noticed when I did a fresh oil change with synthetic it would be good for a while but as the oil got dirtier on real cold mornings it would Clank, I have a slight rear main shaft leak but I always check the oil I decided to go with non-synthetic so my leak would slow the valve train noise is usually on Startup now but still goes away within 5 Seconds does this sound like I have a bad lifter? Thanks for the help

 

Yes, most likely the spring in the lifter broke

Hydraulic lifters have a spring that holds them open until oil pressure can take over, when it breaks the lifter is no longer tight/open after oil drains out when engine is off
So on restart it will "tick" until its refilled

Try this for now
All fuel injected computers have this, Clear Flooded Engine mode, not a Ford thing
It allows you to crank the engine without fuel injectors being on to Dry Out a flooded engine

Turn on the key
Press gas pedal down to the floor ALL THE WAY<<< at 0 RPMs and TPS(throttle position sensor) at WOT(wide open), computer will shut off injectors
Now crank the engine over, it should NOT start or fire
Crank it for say 5 second
Then release gas pedal and computer will start injectors, yes even while you are still cranking
There should be no "ticking" as oil pump has refilled the lifter from cranking

You still need to fix it, but less wear on the valve and rocker, a little more on starter motor, lol


I use this every morning on my high mile 4.0l engine so it doesn't dry start, I want oil circulated before start up

 

Thanks Ron !!! I will try that technique of starting the Ranger. probably will just change out all the lifters in the spring I've got to clean my throttle body anyways