Don't mean to question you to death... but how would I check the timing - would I need to have a professional do that? Also, what other symptoms might it exhibit if the timing was a little advanced? Gas mileage issues, other idle issues, start up issues, etc.?

 

If you don't know how to check it, search the forums here, _loads_ of info on how to do it, might be easier to take it to a good rotary mechanic though if your not comfortable doing it yourself..
And it could definatly cause idle and starting issues.

 

my boost control sylinoid clicks when the car isnt on but in "on" mode on the ignition...

 

Have you checked for an exhaust leak yet? That location sounds about right for an exhaust leak. I had almost a clicking sound too, turned out that 3 out of 4 exhaust manifold bolts were loose, and the 4th was gone.

Whenever I hear a clicking, I get my 18" long socket extension (any metal rod would work), and poke it to certain areas of the engine. I put my ear to the other end, and see if the clicking is stronger in certain spots.
check your BAC, mine clicks real fast for some reason when the engine's not on, but the electronics are

 

I have 'checked' for an exhaust leak, and there doesn't seem to be one. Now, when I say 'check', it is probably not what you would do. I've listened to the car when it is idling, trying to poke and prod inspecting the engine bay for the culprit of my mystery sound, and what i've found is that it only gets faster with increased idle, and above approx. 1200 RPM's, it is drowned out. I can't tell whether or not the sound is being destructively interfered or if it just leaves altogether. However, if it was an exhaust leak, wouldn't it get louder with increased idle?

Thanks for all the chatter. Hopefully, I'll get to the bottom of this. My pessimism is envisioning the detonation demon pitching a tent under my hood - every time I start my car he gets pissed and shakes the hell out of my exhaust and likes to make that noise (lack, lack, lack) just so I can hear him at stop lights and warm up. Maybe I'm just ****.

 

i have the same damn thing... apparently alternator bearings are broken, need a new one. time to grab an fd alt before he stops sellin em in sept.!!

 

In my car it sounds like someone is playing spoons cause the six port actuators are a little rattly from age and rattle about at idle, other then that there is no noise at all!