does anybody else get a ticking from the top end almost like a valve?

if you live wherethe weather is cold at this time of year that is normal because oil is cold and thick,dose it quit ehen engine is warm.

You could try a block heater or replacing your oil filter with one that includes a check valve.  This may help take out some of the noise, but may not get rid of it completely.

I have a 1991 Nissan Pickup SE-V6. I bought it in 1992 with 9000 miles it now has 322000. I know exactly the taping noise your talking about. The tapit that rides on the cam gets gummed with varnish. What works well for me is draining the engine oil and replace with 4 quarts transmission fluid (DON'T DRIVE!)start engine and let idle DON'T REV ENGINE! just idle 45-mins then change oil and filter. I do this every 85000 miles,it works GREAT!