cheers matey, got some from gsf for £35, and they were the right ones, but car still wont start, i started another thread for that as i dont think its related to the oil problem, to which i'll buy the gasket set from vw for a few quid.

It's pretty shocking that members on here have led this bloke to blindly buy some thing that more than likely wouldn't fix the problem. One ht lead wouldn't prevent a car from starting, it would of started but only ran on the 3 cylinders with the good ht leads on, and not one person who replied pointed this out to him first

As for the rocker cover just remove it, clean up both surfaces and smear a fine layer of instant gasket all the way around the original gasket to help it seal. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to do it, replacing the gasket is a proper ball ache and costs more. Are you sure its leaking tho? Could it not of been spilt in there while topping up with oil at some point?

hiya, yes it is possible i suppose, as since I've cleaned all the oil up there hasnt been anymore in there, but then again the car hasnt run since I've done it lol!around the rocker cover i can see there is like a yellowish substance, which i suspect to be sealant of some sorts, so whether or not its been botched up before she had bought the car i dunno, but obviously need to get it started to decide whether or not its still leaking oil into it.

If it struggled to start before. Did it ever backfire or anything? Did you ever run the petrol tank dry? it sounds like a fueling problem or a timing problem is my stab in the dark guess. If you ever ran it dry and that coupled with the timing being out gives u a non starter straight away. You could set your timing TDC and check if your HT lead for cylinder 1 is set to fire first off your rotor arm inside you are distributor. If rotor arm is not pointing to HT lead 1 when your at TDC then your timing has gone out. Highly unlikely your cam belt has slipped out of timing but not an impossibility. Just because you have sparks on all leads dont mean their sparking at the correct time or sequence. Have u possibly put you are distributor cap back on upside down even? Done that myself before, then realising my stupidity. I would replace your rotor arm, your fuel filter and soak your carb in carb cleaner or petrol even and see even if u get any kind of pop or grunt to almost start.

hiya, yes it is possible i suppose, as since I've cleaned all the oil up there hasnt been anymore in there, but then again the car hasnt run since I've done it lol!around the rocker cover i can see there is like a yellowish substance, which i suspect to be sealant of some sorts, so whether or not its been botched up before she had bought the car i dunno, but obviously need to get it started to decide whether or not its still leaking oil into it.

hiya mitch, I'm pretty sure its never backfired or petrol tank ran dry as its my sister in laws car. where would i find the carb and get csrb cleaner from? as for the rotor arm, where is it? I've never taken the dizzy cap off, just the plastic cover over it, couldnt see any visible cracks or moisture tho, I'm not v mechanically minded in that sense, tho I'm willing to give things a go, tools permitting lol

You won't find a carb on this engine mate, these are injection engines

If its turning over and sparking on the plugs, check fueling. Fuse, relay Orr the pumps

Does the pump buzz when you turn the key one click to prime the system?

You only need fuel, air and spark. You've got a spark, so check fuel.

Either some easy start down the throttle body, if it fires up your on the right track..

Also immobs can cut fuel, spark or both depending on whats fitted n who fitted it. ( and if ones fitted )

I would suggest taking the car to a good independent for diagnosis. The problem with internet diagnosis is that it is very difficult as it relies on the interpretation of what you say. Once you know what the problem is, you will have the choice to tackle it yourself or, of course, let the garage sort it out for you.

I understand budget is a forefront consideration, however, this may be the most economical route.

Best of luck.

PoloD.