Dont know whether I'm getting paranoid but thinking my engines on the way out, the catch tank puffs smoke out like an old shunting engine and strange gurgling noises are coming from the rocker cover.
There are no noises coming from the engine when running and a compression test shows 12 on 3 and 11 on 1 of the cylinders and appears to hold OK.
Im thinking valve stem seals but what do you reckon, 2 litre Pinto by the way.
Cheers,
Bob

Chuff chuff? Normal practice for a steam engine innit?

Gurgling noises from the cam cover? sounds like the cams slapping the oil coated followers, assuming you're listening with the cap off.

Smoke puffing out is usually a sign of worn bores / pistons / rings, would have to be both valve seats and stem seals for it to go upwards.

Loads of positive pressure from the oil filler cap as well.
Cheers,
Bob

Are you sure its oil smoke and not steam / water going in the catch tank
Mine gets a white scum in the catch tank
Jacko

No its oil.
Bob

Crankcase presure can only come from the rings and bores.

Valve stem seals would cause blue smoke from the exhaust from worm inlet valve seals, particularly on opening the throttle after coasting downhill with the throttle shut. Or oily deposits in the exhaust if its the exhaust valve seals.

adrian