Hello again,

The leads, coil pack and the plugs are all OK and I have low compression on number 3

I done a "cowboy" compression test because my Gunson compresion tester dont fit in the spark plug hole because the threadded section is not long enough. Anyway, I held the compression tester in the number 3 plug hole while I had a helper turn the engine over and the gauge went up a little. Done the same with number 2 cylinder and the difference was massive. I could feel the gauge been forced up from the plug hole and hear the air being forced out of the plug hole.

So, number 3 has low compression which explains why bugger all happens when I remove number 3 plug lead.

I spoke to a mechanic my mom uses and he said he will lend me his tools so i can do a proper compression test and leakdown test. He also suggested I get some engine flush and drop the oil and fill it with fully synthetic as I dont know whats in there. He said that may free up a lifter if there is one stuck.

So, head gasket, bent / stuck valves or piston rings are the most likely causes?

I bet Im gonna end up paying the same as what I spent on the car to get it fixed

I paid £500 for an 80k S reg Ghia X with a few dents/scratches. Dont look like I spent wisely