You can check if the #1 plug is firing or not by jumping a spark to chassis ground from the coil wire. If you have a spark, then the noise you're hearing may be related to more serious problems with #1 You can use a big screwdriver as sort of mechanics stethescope (sp) if you listen to the end of the handle and put the blade on different spots around the engine. (Yeah, it looks stupid, but it works...)
