> I do not have a particular problem with power or the
> running, but the oil
> leak is too excessive on long or uphill/headwind
> journeys.  Does anyone have
> any advice on my next move as at the moment it looks
> like an engine strip
> and rebuild!

Michael, do you own test.. it's blatantly simple.
1) buy a compression tester from wall-fart.
2) take the coil wire off the distributor end.
3) pull the sparkplugs.
4) attach the compression tester to the #1 cyl.
5) make the engine turn over 3 times (with starter).
6) repeat with each cylinder and record results.
7) place a drop or two of clean motor oil into #1 cyl.
8) redo compression test.
9) repeat with each cyl. and record results.
   (if the compression rises to almost normal, your
rings are gone, otherwise it's the valves, maybe the
head gasket even?)

if you have soem more questions or need someone to
talk you through it, please don't hesitate to p-mail.

ciao and good luck,

=====
-sudhir

"Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause"

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Health - your guide to health and wellness
http://health.yahoo.com