ok, i've done a compression test and got 170psi give or take a few on 1, 3 & 4 and 150 on number 2.

i re-did the test with oil in the bores and got 220 give or take on 1, 3 & 4 and 190 on 2.

Now i personally don't know what to think, a few people i've spoken too all reckon a broken ring is most likely on 2nd yet someone i've spoken to says that that isn't a big enough difference to be something to worry about, if a ring had broken the figures would be much lower. He said it could be down to a blocked crankcase breather, he said there might be a gauze filter in the block and this might be clogged, he's suggested a engine flush/oil change then go from there.

the car drives fine with no missing which rules out burnt valve/seat which leaves rings/head gasket. i doubt it's the HG as the cooling system isn't being pressurized, which with a loss of 20psi it would be i reckon?

also the engine has only done approx 10k miles since rebuild, it's always had breathing problems but i've put them done to other faults only now i've sorted other faults i'm left with more questions than answers!

another thought is a hairline crack in the head?

any input?