Valvetrain noise when engine is cold

[jdmccright]

I've got a '99 Teg LS auto trans with 67k miles. When I start it cold, there is some valvetrain clatter that quiets out after a few minutes. I'm thinking this is due to some sticking valve lifters but I don't know this engine very well.

Does the 18b engine have hydraulic lifters?

I've also seen on other forums that the noise could be due to a worn distributor bearing, but with this low miles I find it hard to believe. Or it could be both. Any info would be helpful to me. Thanks!

[jdmccright]

Update:
Well I added a pint of Marvel Mystery Oil to the oil and that did quiet it down some, but there is still some noise there. I think it needs a valve clearance adjustment.

I also cleaned the the spark plugs (looked good and properly gapped), the cap terminals and rotor blade. There's a bit of oil in the #2 spark plug tube, so looks like time to change the valve cover gasket & tube o-rings.

I did notice a little bit of play when I rotated the distributor by the rotor. I couldn't measure in degrees, but it moved maybe 1mm. Pulling/pushing on the distributor shaft showed no end-play. And the rotor is not loose on the distributor shaft. Shouldn't there be no play at all? What is normal?

Car runs good otherwise and gets the expected gas mileage, just louder than a Honda/Acura should be.

[jdmccright]

Update #2:
Just performed a valve lash adjustment and the noise has improved slightly but is still noisy when cold. Hope it isn't related to the bottom end....