Here we go again with the next issue !.
I have the start up rattle & it's possibly getting worse. I believe it to be the hydraulic lifters rather than the Vanos because It's only there on initial start up & as I rarely use the vehicle (once a week) it quiet on subsequent start ups.
2006 4.4 AJ V8 petrol.

I'm in the process of changing all my fluids later this month, including engine oil & filter. Now is worth doing an engine flush to see if this cures it before replacing the oil.

Has anyone tried this or is a waste of time?.

I used a flushing oil before putting expensive oil in (Magnatec) and it has not made the slightest difference - often wonder if some kind of delay on the coils firing would solve the problem - the idea being that the engine spins over for 3 or 4 seconds before firing up to allow oil pressure to build? 04 4.4 petrol.

That would be ideal, some sort of immobilizer just to allow the oil pressure to build up. I won't be bothering with an engine flush, as not heard one good thing as a result of doing this.