Can you guys help me with a ticking sound ?

[Luke]

I just bought a 97 2wd XLT with a V 8. After it has been running a while and I get up to around 40 and above the harder I accelerate the louder the ticking gets. At first I thought it was an exhaust leak but I had it checked out and it was not. Have any of you had this problem before ?

 

[dagsnregi]

I've had something like that. Only ticked when I accelerated, only in gear. It sounded like it was coming from under the dash somewhere. Took it to the dealer and they replaced my EGR valve. Everything from that day on was all better. Hope this helps.

 

[itzbinnice]

If the EGR valve goes bad would't you get a check engine light code? The reason I mention this is that my check engine light came on and I brought it to my local mechanic and he replaced the valve along with two related components. Mine did not make any noise and the engine seemed to be operating normally. I can only tell you it cost me 320.00 to get that light turned off.
Perhaps somebody knows how to bypass it tempoarily
for testing purposes only, to see if it is the culprit.
Another option is to jack it up from the rear and put it on jack stands, have a helper put it in gear and try to isolate the sound. A stethescope would be a good tool to have since sound travels and is hard to pinpoint.
Haven't been much help, best of luck in fixing it.