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[Andy H]

For some time now I have had a slight ticking noise when the engine is cold. It never lasted more than a minute but in that minute it became louder if I pressed the throttle.  It didn't seem to be getting any worse & I couldn't find an obvious cause.

Other people have reported something similar and the consensus seemed to be that it was probably an exhaust manifold gasket that sealed itself as soon as some heat got into the manifold.

Yesterday I changed the spark plugs. No 5 coil looks a little rusty, No 6 plug well has some water stains, No 3 rubber boot has a brown stain on the outside which I assumed was evidence of water ingress.

When I took the plugs out No 3 was already partially unscrewed. They have been in for 70,000 miles. I remember someone (probably AndyB or MarksDTMCalib) saying that they can come loose after 30k.

I started the car from cold this morning and didn't hear any ticking. I suspect that I have had a loose plug for the last 30k miles 

[The Red Baron]

may have just been the loose plug tbh, exhaust gaskets maybe or lifters. as it seems to have gone now i suspect it was the plug.
 

[Andy H]

I will be more certain after a cold start tomorrow morning.

It is nice to eliminate all the little niggles but worrying to discover long standing faults......