I need help and I need it quick.

Car has decided to breakdown. Trouble starting it, constant misfire (not sure which cylinder), won't idle and a tapping noise when revved. The belt is still tight, there's plenty of oil in it and that's as much info as I can give at the moment because I'm not even near work so no tools.

I'm thinking a spark plug has gone but there's no way to be sure until I have some tools and the car is somewhere dry. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Well after recovering it this morning on the back of the trailer, and spending 10 minutes of my lunch break, I've come to the conclusion that my head gasket has gone. Number 3+4 have compression but 1+2 don't have any.

Sounds like thats the answer, time to whip the head off and have a look

Cheers

D

This may be the problem.

Took me 1/2 hour to get it off, and I've got some more pictures on what I disconnected if anyone is interested

Well after a week with a colossal cock up with the timing belt and not being able to find my spare valve stem oil seals, I've finally got her back up and running with no serious issues. But I do have a few niggles to sort out but nothing major luckily.

That's an aftermarket head gasket that has not been fitted correctly. Usually incorrect torque and engine re-build procedure. Also, some makes of gasket are prone to premature failure. If I buy an aftermarket head kit, I bin the head gasket and fit a genuine fiat or other good brand like Febi as another re-build is not what you want to do.
Another problem is with the diameter of the fire rings. Some makes quote the gasket as fitting a 1.1 and 1.2 engine yet they have different size bores.