My 2002 Forest has piston slap below 40 degrees that clears up when the engine warms. But in any weather, the engine has what sounds like a collapsed lifter, most noticable when the engine is cool. I've suspected the cam belt tensioner from what I've read here.
I just paid over $500 for the 30,000 mile service done at about 35,000 miles and always used Mobil One doing my own oil changes because I don't trust Valvoline places to take the time to remove and replace the plastic shield under the engine and figure they'd spill oil trying to get the filter off without removing the shield.
The dealership said that the noise was nothing to be concerned about. (what a surprise, eh?) I did not pursue it because I did buy the extended warranty an figured I still have a few years for this potential problem to develop.
So, my question is if the cam belt tensioner is the likely cuprit?