97 thunderbird v6 valve noise

have the oil , oil pressure checked

Agree, have the oil pressure measured. The engine may be full of gunk and have a partially plugged oil pickup screen or a bad oil pump if the pressure is low.

Chances are the valve train is just gummed up as Bob mentioned, even worn some being a 1997. There are oil additives you can try to help. Just go to your local parts store to see what they have for you to try to help this.

If the engine has a partially plugged oil pickup screen or a bad oil pump is it expensive to fix? I will first try the additives from an auto store. Thanks for the replys

I would verify that you have proper oil pressure before trying additives. If you fail to have proper oil pressure you risk ruining the engine. Get help from a local mechanic on this as it shouldn't cost much to have one take a look at it. Also that 3.8 engine is very prone to failed head gaskets if they haven't already been replaced.

This being a 1997, probably has a lot of miles on her so your probably just seeing what to do to keep er going for awhile. As Bob mentioned these things happen after time and it may not be worth while the monies to put into it. A head gasket is a major repair, so if there is no white smoke coming from the exhaust or coolant in the oil, and no major knock with the engine, with little cost you can get a few more miles out of it.