Hi,
I have a 98 Disco I with 254K miles. I replaced head gaskets and cleaned up the heads at 104K and the engine has run like a top since then. When I started it a few days ago there was a popping / clicking noise from the right side of the engine. It sounded like an exhaust leak but I can find no sign of that. Also checked plug condition and plug seating on that side of engine, no issues. I did find that if I pull the spark plug wire off the #8 plug (right side of engine, furthest back), the noise almost completely disappears. The noise can't be heard after the engine reaches about 1100 rpm.
(I also discovered, inadvertently, that if I left the entire right bank of the engine disconnected from the ignition coils the engine could be started and actually ran. Who knew!)
Do you folks have any ideas about what may be causing this noise? Thanks for looking at this post.
Jeff

 

Something like this? I found this to be a spark plug that was partially cross threaded and not fully seated. Some plug sockets cannot fit well. The exhaust manifold can get in the way.

 

Thanks for the video Walt. It's the same area of the engine certainly and a similar sound. I'll take another look at the plugs. Since the noise disappears when then engine rpm is raised just a bit I'm also going to check oil pressure. It's about time for an oil change and the oil level is near the bottom of the OK range on the dip stick.