Diy ssv ticking fix
 

I can only make new threads here but wanted to share. I've had the ssv tick at light loads and just cruising. Today I got a used ssv with the black vac pod on it (new design) instead of the old gold one. I cut a small amount off the new pod to fit on the old ssv and clear the switch. This solved the ticking and the actual ssv did not need to be removed to fix it. The problem is as these pods age the spring in them weaken and cannot hold the actuator shut or absorb intake pulses and begin ticking and open slightly when they should be closed. So anyone with this problem this is an easy fix and you don't have to pull the ssv from the car as long as it's free and not sticking. Just one small clip and a bolt. The clip is the hardest part and easily lost trying to reinstall so be careful and put cardboard or something under the car to catch if dropped.

Could you explain a bit more? Maybe with pictures? Do we have to replace the spring? My car has the new design (black pod) and it's still ticking.

I can try to get some pictures. If you already have a newer ssv you should be able to just swap to another pod. The spring is inside the pod and holds the actuator extended. Make absolutely sure it's the ssv that is ticking and not your spark plug boots or something else. You can watch / feel the ssv as someone revs the car sitting still to make sure it's the ssv rattleing. Be aware it could also be the bearing in the ssv / ssv shaft play. Mine has shaft play but no ticking with the new pod so I can't confirm if this could also cause the tick. If you end up buying a new ssv you could swap the actuator pod first instead of pulling the entire thing to see if it fixes the rattle. You can check the pod diagram too by unplugging the hose, pushing the actuator arm in, then plug the vac port with your finger. The pod should keep vacuum and not extend. Let me know what your diagnosis is. Other people have also said it can be a sign your compression is low causing more pulses through the intake giving the tick. How healthy is your engine and ignition components?

Also for anyone looking at this I don't think the tick should cause any immediate concern. It's more of a nuisance and shouldn't cause the ssv to not work correctly. The ssv will just slightly rotate and pulse making the tick.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...280d6a9244.jpg

This is someone else's picture but it shows exactly what I'm explaining. Red is what needs to be cut off when going from old gold pod on the left to newer pod on right with original ssv. Green is the clip, small screw driver will pop it off. A dap of greese can help hold the clip when trying to re-install. Use one hand under ssv to hold clip while other pushes it on with screw driver or pliers. It can be tricky till you figure out where to put your hands.