So Ive made a post about having starting problems here. In attempt to figure out whats causing these problems I took it to a friend that builds/rebuilds cars. Here are his observations:

1 - Engine has slight misfire or slight failure to fire (when in Park it vibrates a little bit).
2 - Doing pump break test (pumping break fast in park) makes engine RPM fluctuate (not enough to show on the meter on dash) but you can hear it. He said this indicated an air pump problem.
3 - most importantly - there is a clicking noise coming from around the back of the engine. He said that it doesnt sound like arcing (since that sounds like a snap) but this is clicking on every rotation of the engine while parked.

Now, he works mostly on WV cars, so doesnt know all of how Mitsubishis have their electrical setup. So we were hoping to find out what the following things are. See circled in red.

First picture

Clicking is coming from somewhere in the red circle. What could make a clicking noise in that area?

Green arrow - There is a white buildup, signs of arking... could this be making a clicking noise instead of snapping (that an ark usually does)?

Purple arrow - there is a clip on there, what is supposed to go in there? On the left coil pack a wire goes in there, did they just use shorter wires when they replaced my spark plugs?

Second pictre

Red arrows - what are those things? Can the cause ignition problems if failed? Could they make clicking noises if failed?

Thanks for any help guys!

 

forgot to add, does anyone know what the part number is for the coil pack and for those thingies where red arrows are?

This is a 2003 ES lancer 2.0L

 

The clicking noise could be from the fuel injectors, which are right in that area. They will normally click while operating.

There should be 4 identical grey plugs connected to them, and they're on a common rail. You should be able to feel them click when it's running.