Ticking while engine is cold

Hey guys, having some problems with a 99 alero coupe with the 3400 engine. When I turn the car on there is this ticking that keeps up for about 15 minutes until the engine warms up considerably. Even when you put it in gear and drive it you can hear the ticking. Its rather fast paced. The mechaninc said it was the serpentine belt but we replaced that and its still tickin any ideas? Thanks :)

Have you pinpointed where the noise is coming from? It could be valvetrain noise like lifters which is common on 3.4L engines or in the drive pulley system. Another problem is piston slap which can sound like a ticking sound but should disappear. GM says not to worry about it in the applicable TSBs.

Yeah, GM says not to worry about piston slap, but it's extremely irritating. I don't have it yet on my Alero but my 1997 Malibu had it. It sounded like I was driving an old '70's beater when the noise was at its worst :banghead: I hope I don't encounter it in my Alero.

- Jeremy