This is kinda long (sorry) but, please read to those that have this problem.
I would certainly like to take a crack at solving this 'ticking' problem for all you guys/gals that have this problem. I'm a mechanic and have been in the business for over 30 years although the last 13 have been for the government.
The only problem that I have had with my car is when cold, I get a groaning noise coming from the brakes. I am certain that this is where the noise is coming from because the noise shifts from side to side and front to back but, only when the car is cold. I believe it is the obdII system checking the antilock system when this happens.
Anyway, back to the ticking. In my opion, the first thing that comes to mind is that the ticking is an exhaust leak at the exhaust manifolds. If the gasket has burned through at one or more of the exhaust ports, it would make this kind of sound. The sound would be multiplied if more ports are involved. The second thing that comes to mind is a lifter noise however, I would discount this because lifter noise is a constant noise and I have read here that some or all of you don't get this noise until you goose it. The exhaust noise should also be constant but, should change volume as the engine is goosed. So, if any of you can give a complete discription of this problem like if you can lift your hood, engine running, and trace this noise from side to side, front to back and top to bottom, we might be able to solve this. Just remember this, a lifter noise is a metalic tapping noise just like many of you have probably heard before. The exhaust noise would be more of a quick, repetative hissing noise. Have the wife or friend help you and vary the rpms from idle to 1.5k moderately. Good luck and please make your discription as accurate as you can :smile: