Oil where spark plug enters head

[what2do]

Why bother if the valve guides are that shagged it will be very clear, if the are not then must be rings.

I suppose you should check your oil breather tower isn't blocked if the crankcase can't breathe it may, I suppose, cause problems where there is air flow via worn valve guides which moves oil with it.

How will it be very clear? At this point I'm not sure what's causing the low compression or even if the wetting is related.

[itchyfeet]

worn valve guides will have alot of movement of valve
checked breather yet?

[what2do]

worn valve guides will have alot of movement of valve
checked breather yet?

Haven't been near the van all day. Looking for movement of valve requires removal of the head which is the very least I'll be required to do, correct?

Fortunately, I've a spare pair of good heads if the need arises.

[itchyfeet]

Only one way to prove it, off with his head

[what2do]

Only one way to prove it, off with his head

I know I know, but haven't I read your comments about this disturbing the liner seals?

[Mr Bean]

Classic tell tale for duff valve guides is smoke from exhaust when you pull away after slowing down on the over run.
Oil is drawn down the valve guides by the depression in the combustion chambers when the engine is rotated with with the throttle closed.
Test for this by running down hill using engine breaking and ideally pulling away straight up another.
Duff rings tend to smoke more or less all the time.
However that compression variation needs sussing.
I would be concerned about the compression variation though.
CS

[what2do]

Classic tell tale for duff valve guides is smoke from exhaust when you pull away after slowing down on the over run.
Oil is drawn down the valve guides by the depression in the combustion chambers when the engine is rotated with with the throttle closed.
Test for this by running down hill using engine breaking and ideally pulling away straight up another.
Duff rings tend to smoke more or less all the time.
However that compression variation needs sussing.
I would be concerned about the compression variation though.
CS

BOOM, I've recently noticed the puff of smoke on the overrun and did wonder what it was. Often but not always, I can make it happen by driving steady at 55 for example, take my foot off the throttle fir approx 2 seconds and then pressing the throttle again. Why do you think I can't make it happen all the time?

Thanks for helping establish the plug wetting and puff of smoke, the variation in compression is probably a more serious issue - oh joy!

[itchyfeet]

Now he tells us

[what2do]

Now he tells us

I told you last week. Why weren't you listening?

[itchyfeet]

Moving on... what 2 do now?

[what2do]

Moving on... what 2 do now?

Like you don't know already! Keep my fingers crossed whilst the spare comes to the fore.