Engine Noise Question

From : tbone

Q: that sounds like the converter heat shield. i would look there first. if that is the factory converter it may be getting ready to fail. mine gave up at 78000 and my truck is a 97. -- if at first you dont succeed youre not cut out for skydiving friends i have a 1996 ram pu 1500 4x4 v8 5.9l with only about 57000 miles. when i start the engine and while shes at idle there is intermittently a loud tick or snap from the engine. it seems to happen more when the outside air temperature is cold although when the engine warms she still does it. i do not hear it when im driving even with the radio off. if you sit quietly at a stop light with the window open and radio off you can hear it. there may be several quiet snaps/ticks; then maybe a loud one; followed by some quiet time ; then more; etc. i really cant seem to come up with any type of rhythm except that it seems to do it more when the outside air is cold but can also do it in the summertime. i dont think it has anything to do with expasion as the engine heats. is engine knock or ping if so what should i do about it if not what might it be thanks. steve .