Well then..!!!! I have started the strip down and my intentions were to remove the pistons without removing the engine i.e strip top end and bottom end leaving the block and dropping piston.

BUT!!! Before I started to strip the bottom end I just thought I would have a check of the piston protrusion myself. I measured this using a calibrated DTI Clock gauge AND there is fook all wrong with number 4 piston.

My results were. Number 1 piston + .70 above block
Number 2 piston + .68 above block
Number 3 piston + .70 above block
Number 4 piston + .74 above block

As you can see from my results there is very little difference..

SO...... Where do I go from here. Can anyone recommend what gasket should be used with this sort of protrusion.

(PHOTOS TO FOLLOW)

Many thanks Steven