OK …there is no need to buy any new coil packs simply from furring up/oxidization , its common, a bit of fine wire wool and a flat driver in them and spin will clean them up to better than new with no cash wasted.
M-m
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Having refurbished numerous coilpacks with this sort of issue, mainly the MK2/MK2.5 1.6, more contentious units, sold them with a significant guarantee and got away with it, I would generally agree. The port oxidation, usually just one, creates stress and associated issues. Clear it, assuming no other damage and from my experience, the problems go away.
My issue is the radio interference as not encountered this before. As I understand it this would only affect the radio as interferes with the aerial pickup?
It is a symptom of leaked power and I am at a loss as to where that could be generated by, other than a leaking coilpack unit.
It’s a MK1, Ray, check continuity when aerial raised between the mast and centre probe on coax connection; you have an electric aerial on the ‘98’? Assuming that is OK, perhaps just plug in another stereo, just for testing/elimination of cause purposes.
If the aerial does not pass muster, get in touch and I will advise you. I refurbish these units and check functionality. The aerial needs to look good and work properly:-)
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Agreed ,the interference is from a damaged lead or fracture in one of the coil packs , there is two per frame.
M-m
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Yes, indeed, all MK1 to MK2.5 cars, the MK1/eunos 1.6 being the exception have two separate but essentially interchangeable coil units, for cylinders 1&4 + 2&3.
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Thanks for further comments and suggestions.
It is an electric aerial and I’ll carry out the continuity test as you’ve suggested. I’ve actually got a spare electric aerial, the original whip aerial, and the original radio tucked away in a box in the loft somewhere, so can try swapping things out.
Regards Ray.
Apologies for delay updating on this topic, but after sorting the running issue with a replacement HT lead (thanks to Rhino666) I’ve been busy with other stuff and just got round to investigating the radio interference problem inc testing the electric aerial (as suggested by Rhino666).
There was no continuity between the mast and centre probe on the coax connection. After stripping it, it turned out to be internal corrosion where the mast enters the body of the main assembly. I had a spare electric aerial that I picked up untested a few years ago for potential spares, which turned out to have a broken mast and dodgy motor (good job it was cheap). To cut a long story short, after a bit of mix and match of parts I ended up with one fully functioning aerial which was fitted back on the car.
Did it cure the radio interference? Well, sort of.
The signal strength is far better. On the strongest channels there is no ticking/ interference at all (which was previously present on all channels). On any weaker channels you can still hear a faint ticking noise in the background.
In summary, maybe there is still some minor escape of electrical energy from the coil pack or elsewhere causing interference, or maybe a newer aerial or head unit would perform better, but to be honest I’m more than happy with the outcome. Thanks to all who commented and contributed to the solutions 
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