hey guys, when i idle after driving a bit, i get a pretty loud ticking from my engine, i can't seem to pinpoint it exactly, but i'm guessing a sticky lifter? i have 100k on a 974runner 6 cyl. any help is appreciated. thanks, dd

 

The engine has solid lifters so i doubt it is that.
Could be valve ajustment (need to pull cover and check lash)
Could be exhaust leak (more common)

 

That is the little solenoid valve that vents the fuel vapor from the charcoal canisters into the intake manifold to be burned off. It is part of the emissions control system and the clicky noise is completely normal, albeit highly annoying. I forget exactly what the thing is called right now...VRS?...VSV?...VSR?...too lazy to go look it up right now. It is located attached to the firewall on the driver side between the brake master cylinder and the fenderwell.
Next time you hear it pop the hood and put your hand on it. It is less annoying when you know where it is coming from.

 

you mean this thing?

Yup, the noise is normal. It's taken about a year, but I'm used to it now.

 

There you go! I knew it had a technical name!

I woulda sworn it was attached to the firewall, though. Shoot, now I gotta go look...