Takes a second or two for hydro lifter to fill..

[robinasu]

Does this hint of a future problem?

[lgranch]

You have to give more details than just your post title. Why do you believe that the lifter is taking time to fill? What are the symtoms?

[k9sar]

pecking at startup for a few seconds until the hydrolic lifters are filled is common. pecking at startup for a few minutes until the engine is warm is the exhaust manifold leak. Check your oil level and viscosity. If it's low or "thick", it could take longer to 'pressurize' the lifters. If this is the case, an oil change would be recommended so that other things don't go bad on you.

[nige]

my miata had the same problem. I just switched to a lighter oil and it worked fine. It would only make the noise for about ten seconds. Just rev the car a little and it should go away.

[robinasu]

Thx guys. I run 10-40 to help with oil consumption. It only takes a couple of seconds for them to quiet down. Sounds like it is common.. makes me feel better!

[MatterHorn]

it is common ... its also common for people to call it a problem ... but it's just the way it is with these older style motors ... i've heard the newer 3.3's do it too ... not a big deal ... just so long as the noise goes away within a couple of seconds ...