Lifter noise after starting - 2004 Oldsmobile Alero

I would check the oil pressue and ensure adequat pressure is on the hydraulic cam followers.
Could be just engine wear due to age/lack of maintainance etc.

Could be a lifter that just hasn't gotten oil at the start. If it is a small ticking, it's not a big problem. Often using an oil flush just before an oil change can loosen up sticky lifters. I have also tried a few ounces of transmission fluid in the oil and that has worked with my lifter noise (2004 Suburban).

Because the lifter leaks down when the engine is cold and then pumps up later tells me that the lifter is faulty and needs to be replaced. I would recommend using someone who is qualified for the job. This isn't a skill level D job.

you sure its lifters not exhaust leak , those hemi s are known for broken exhaust studs,if the lifters r noisey try some 5/20 oil

There is,If you do the lifter you could be after something else,The noise sounds like a collapsed lifter,A collapse lifter can cause a misfire,The 2003 GMC sierra or I should say the 4.8 engines suffer from a cut O-ring between the oil pump screen and the oil pump causing oil areation,resulting in lifter noise,The noise will be present a cold start and then diminish at warm up.

I dont think and intake gasket will cause lifter noise. It may cause a rough idle and or a miss at idle on cold start up . as the engine warms up the miss or rough idle will decrease . As for the lifter noise this could be cause by the lifter bleeding down or poor oil presure . On your model of engine there is no adjustment on the rocker arms for lifter noise . They are a 0 lash type .

Over time and miles the lifters tend to collapse and the only way to quiet the noise is to replace them or use something like lucas to try to keep the pressure up in the lifters. If you did replace the lifters it would help with performance because when the lifters start to collapse the valves do not open all of the way. Hope this helps!

You problem is most likely just lifter noise. This is common with a lot of Ford engines with self adjusting lifters. Although lifter noise is bothersome it doesn't pose a serious problem. Unless your engine starts to miss or your gas mileage drops way off lifter noise is just an annoying problem.
I would recommend that you add some Sea Foam Engine Treatment($6-$8) to your oil. This is not an oil treatment it's more of an engine cleaner. If this works you'll need to add it every 2nd or 3rd oil change.
If this doesn't take care of the problem then depending on your engine you may have adjustable rockers that would allow you to remedy the problem. If not, your options are limited to living with it or replacing the lifters and possibly other valve train parts.

Get the heads worked on or replaced it might need a valve lashment.

Sounds like a lifter noise. worn lifters can't keep oil in them anymore so over night the oil leaks out. when you start the vehicle, you will hear a ticking noise or knocking noise till the lifters fill with oil again. only remedy is to replace the lifters.
you could try an additive but it's temporary.