I have a '95 850T with 115K miles. I get an intermittent ticking that doesn't seem to be the valves. At least it doesn't change with engine speed. It seems like it is coming from the area just above the throttle body that is covered with the black plastic piece. What is this? Is this the cause of the ticking?

It comes and goes without much relation to anything else.

Thanks

The ticking sound could be your fuel injector but that's usually constant.

Valve ticking may be an indication of an oil pump seal failure.

Maybe a vacuum leak? Sounds like its coming from the vacuum tower area. Is it a hissing type sound? I recently replaced a rubber elbow in that area. I hope that will increase my milage and cut down on an intermitent fuel/exhaust smell in the cabin.

Later,
Rick

Does your intermittent fuel smell occur after you fill up the tank? If so, there's a seal that wears out at your fuel tank that causes this smell.

2 options: 1. Don't fill your tank all the way. 2. Replace the seal. Not an easy procedure, you need to access it via the trunk. I had the mechanic fix that problem when my fuel pump failed.