We have a problem where cylinder No.4 is "missing". Spark plug is sparking, fuel is getting through and as there is still oxygen around here we can only think that the timing for No.4 cylinder is out. Can anyone lead us in the right direction as to possible faults and, obviously, remedies, please, please, please?:bang:

The timing can't be out just for one cylinder, even though there is a spark it may be breaking down under load I would cosider replacing the HT lead, spark plugs can also fail so would consider replacing the spark plug as well. These are the cheap fixes.

Next check there is no oil in the sparkplug hole bore. I would also if this doesn't help get a compression test done. Finally have a look at the spark plug and smell the end check for coolant.

Thanks for coming back so quickly!! Have looked at the spark plug bore and it seems clear but looking at the top of the cylinder, it seems wet. The car hasn't been turned over for 6 days and the recently new spark plug is coated in black residue. All other cylinders are clear with sparkplugs in normal condition. This sounds like a clue. What do you think?

You need to find if the wet cylinder is unburned fuel or coolant. If it's the latter could be an early sign that the headgasket has gone. But don't panic yet, have a compression test or coolant system pressure test done.

Had another look at the cylinder face, there seems to be a black deposit on the suface almost like carbon could this also be a sign of the head gasket?. :idea: My tool kit is limited so any work will have to be done by the local garage.

They don't have ht leads. check the resistance of the coil pack.

Well said forgot about those

No Carbon isn't a sign of headgasket, but could be running over rich which is normally due to the o2 sensor. Although if that was the case all the cylinders would be the same? But would consentrate on the spark plug & pressure/compression tests.

Another quick check would be to swop the spark plug from another cylinder, just because its new doesn't mean that its any good.

Thankyou guys, we will keep you posted

4 new valves later.......

Ouch. A lovely piece missing off one of them too...

Still it could be worse, all the pistons were OK.

Unfortunately El Mecanico took me to his computer screen and with the aid of a diagram and some pointing, I have now established he wants to change my clutch (oo er missus) at some point in the future. Phoned my boyfriend (who is in UK this week) and he muttered something about "clutch release bearing, yep, thought it needed doing"... I think my Mecanico loves me...

The release bearing isn't worth changing the clutch for, it will be slightly noisy but that's about it. Will be as well waiting for it live out it's natural life before changing it.

I would advise a note of caution where the release bearing is concerned. If it is noisy and you can live with it for now then OK but if it gets noisier and/or you can feel it through the clutch peddle when depressing the clutch then get it into the garage for a new one before it collapses on you!! regards clive.

I should have posted in more detail, so thanks for the note of caution.

And a very warm welcome to the site.