Car started and appeared OK. On test drive clouds of oil smoke, which didn't clear even after driving for a couple of miles.
Head removed, and cylinders contained puddles of oil. Head was sent back, as son reckoned the stem seals must be leaking. Came back said to have been checked and found OK. Head was refitted with a new gasket set and bolts. No improvement. Still smoking heavily, especially under acceleration.
His mate checked compressions and said they were too high. I doubted this, so checked it with my own compression tester. 270psi on all cylinders! About twice as much as I would have expected. Checked tester and found it to be reasonably accurate.
Looking down the plug holes, the pistons are oily but there doesn't appear to be enough to explain such a high pressure. I've never come across this situation before, and I've rebuilt a few engines in the past. Doesn't necessarily explain the excessive oil burning problem, but it's something that needs explaining.
So far nearly £500 has been spent, but typically, 'mum' wants the car fixed rather than scrapped, as it's been so reliable in the 8 years she's owned it.
I am completely at a loss to explain the problem. Any ideas of what might be causing such high pressures, and also where the oil might be coming from? TIA. Mike