2.0 lancer ES engine knock when cold
 

I have an 04' Lancer ES with the 2.0 engine. When cold, the engine has a tapping or knocking sound. It get quieter when I rev it a little or put it in gear (auto trans.) The noise goes away after 2-5 minutes depending how fast it warms up. Bought this from a relative who said it's been doing it for a few years. The car has 107,00 miles on it.

Any ideas?

Anyone?

mitsubishi is famous for lifter knock

It seems to be a little lower pitched than a tapping sound though. I did use a poorman's stethoscope on the oil pan and the sound did not seem to come from there. Could it be piston slap? Is that common in a mitsu?