I want to thank everyone that replied to my query about my popping problem.
I am happy to report that the problem is solved. The problem turned out to
be a couple of leaking EGT sensors.  As a
temporary fix, I pulled the thermo-couple wires out of the mounting sleeve,
filled the sleeve with high temperature muffler adhesive, squeezed the end
shut, let it cure and did a test flight.  Waalha-- no popping.  But I have 4
new EGT sensors on order.
This was fun.  I learned a lot from a lot of intelligent, experienced
people, some of which was not directly related to my problem but
useful,none-the-less.  I copied and saved everyone's comments in a WORD
document for possible future reference.  The winner of the trouble shooting
contest, from the Yahoo-Lycoming group was short and sweet and pointed
almost directly to the problem as follows:

From: "mahlon_r" <mahlon_russell@t...>
Date: Tue Sep 7, 2004 3:48 pm
Subject: Re: Lycoming O320
BoB,
Try looking for exhaust leaks especially close to the cylinder...like
a blown exhaust gasket or cracked exhaust pipe at the flange.
Good Luck,
Mahlon