96 240sx Engine Ticking. EGR Problem? Throwing CEL. HELP!

[Philipio]

When I bought the car almost 8 months ago it had a code 32 relating to generic EGR. I didn't really care and left it as it was.

A couple weeks ago my engine started ticking. I was due for an oil change anyway and used Royal Purple, thinking it would go away. Well, my engine did get a lot quieter, but the ticking was still there. I got my CEL code checked to see if anything else had gone wrong, and the EGR code had gone from a 32 to a P1400 "EGRC Solenoid Valve."

I made a video of the ticking noise; it can be seen here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZUo7CzGjacM. This is what gave me the idea it was EGR related. My first thought before uploading the video was lifters or possible exhaust leak.

The ticking can be heard at idle under the hood, and it's hardly noticeable with the hood closed. The video seems to make it louder than it is in person.

The ticking gets louder and increases with acceleration. If I rev my engine in neutral it doesn't do this, only when I'm actually driving. It usually starts around 3,000 RPM when I'm on the road, give or take (my tach stopped working a couple weeks before the ticking started. ), so I've been shifting like a complete grandma. When I start the car and immediately start driving, most of the time the ticking can't be heard, it's like it has to warm up a little bit?

Help please? Think it's the EGR solenoid specifically? Could it be lifters, exhaust leak, MAF sensor, what? I'd really love to not blow this engine, it only has 109,xxx miles. I want to get it running right again so I can have some fun and not be scared to drive my car. If any more info is needed that I'm forgetting I'll gladly provide it.

[Rucca]

Try to pinpoint where the ticking is coming from - use a screwdriver and put the tip on the various components and listen to the handle. The sound will be noticeably louder when you find the offending component.