Just bought a 98' Explorer and had some questions regarding some noise I hear under the hood. The truck starts fine, idles fine everything works great. When I go to drive off after a minute or so from a fresh start, the engine makes a clicking or rattling sound in rhythm with the revolutions of the engine heard only when I accellerate. The noise seems to eminate from the passenger side under the hood.
I've done some DIY internet research and some things point to "piston slap," but it doesn't seem to sound like that is described. The noise remains until the engine is fully warmed up and then I don't hear it unless I sit idle for a minute or so, but it goes away fast. Some friends of mine said it might possibly be too thin of oil for the weather (It's currently Winter), a valve is sticky, or a rocker is loose. I have no idea about these things at all.
The truck runs very good and very strong, so whatever it is isn't causing any sort of performance issues.
The engine is a 302c.i. 5.0 V8 with 62,5k miles.
I appreciate the help.