When was the oil last changed? The 2.9 uses hydraulic lifters, which are self adjusting. They use engine oil pressure to stay pumped up. Try this web site for more info. Low oil pressure can cause it. http://www.therangerstation.com/
Valve train clatter.
Loose, broken, or worn valve train component. Remove the valve cover to find the problem.
It is supposed to rattle when you shake it. if it does not, it needs replacing. The rattle you hear is the check valve.
When you shake the PCV valve it should rattle. If it does not rattle then it is probably stuck and should be replaced.
My Cavalier doesn't have the same engine yours does (mine's the 2.4), but if you really have a PCV valve the springs in them can go weak and they will rattle under heavy vacuum conditions. Mine's been rattling lately as well, I just haven't crawled in there yet to find the valve...
The pcv is located on the passenger side of the motor, under the edge of the intake manifold, in the back.
No, some rattle is normal.
That is normal. It means it is not stuck.
Cold Start Valve. Cold start valve. I do not believe there exists a "cold start valve"
valve should rattle when shook, and when engine is started it should have a good suction.
Noisy valve train. Remove the valve cover and inspect the valve train.
Under the left hand 'Smith' cover you should be able to see a small flap, sometimes this can be obscured by the GCV unit's venting pipes in which case just locate it by feeling around. Inside this flap is a button, push this and it will release the egr valve socket under the dash. The valve is in this.