Engine noise, loads of black smoke, down on power.

[John Mason]

An update. Together with my son we have commenced a strip down and removed the sump {oil pan for USA forum members.) together with the gauze filter. The oil looks good and has only done around 500 miles but will be replaced. There were no metal bit or parts of pistons or rings. Something I was expecting. We then removed the head and found number 3 piston crown black with burnt oil. More than the other three but not excessive. But obviously burning some oil. An examination of the bores found them ok with no score marks much to my relief. The head gasket had however blown between number 2 and 3 bores thus resulting in loss of power as it would only have been running on 1 and 4. This obviously the cause of the problem and is in the process of being replaced. What I can’t understand is what caused the noise which altered depending on engine speed. I know in my own mind it must have been gasses passing between the two effected bores as the pistons moved up and down but it was so loud.
When the gasket is fitted I will report again but I think it will put things right. As to number three piston that can stay until things get a lot worse. I want to use my car this summer
I have always just used a smear of grease on both sides of a head gasket when fitting. What do others use. I ask because my last gasket has not seemed to last that long.

John Mason.