Hi Bill,
I am just thinking that must be a hell of a lot of oil getting down the guides to foul the spark plug! Is there much smoke from the exhaust? Usually valve guide wear manifests itself after the car has been stood overnight and you get a wisp of blue smoke on start up.
I am a bit concerened that you have already had problems with this cylinder and now is very oily again! I would take it back to who done the work, I think it very unwise to have changed the pistons and not check things like valves etc, especially as all of the work needs to be done with the head off! You will have more expense again Im afraid!
I would go for thin wall guide inserts if the guides are that bad! Dont even think about replacing the complete guides!!! A good machine shop should be able to do this work for you and will be a lot cheaper than replacing the guides.
How did your mate carry out a temporary repair for your problem?


Let us know how you get on.

Mike.