Problem with ignition system?

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*edit* - wrote this before I saw the second page. Doh!...

I think that I will definitely add the clearance check to my annual service check list.

Am I right in saying that the exhaust value is the front valve of the two for each cylinder?

Forgive my ignorance, I have not delved inside the engine before. What does grinding in the valves involve?
*edit* - again forgive my ignorance, what does heavy breathing from the oil filler mean?

The engine was a reconditioned unit about four years old. If the other valves look OK, and as the engine is relatively new, is it fair to say that I could just replace the one or should they always be replaced as a set?

As far as the head gasket theory goes, I'm guessing that once I get inside the engine I will be able to see the state of the valve, and if it looks OK that would imply the head gasket. Is that correct?

[phurn]

when you get the head off, examine the old gasket, it'l be pretty odvious if anythings wrong with it, i'll admit its the least likely of the outcomes, but it i your cheapest too!i got my gasket for £2! if you look in this section for my thread, you'l find some great instructions for taking the head off.

if you like i can forward you a pm i got from bmc with a very usefull and concise data in it?

[bmcecosse]

Certainly sounds like you need a Manual of some sort -and if you lift the head - you need a new gasket anyway. Grinding in the valves - plenty of video clips on YouTube. The exhaust valves are 1 4 5 and 8 - counting from the radiator.

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Thanks for everybody's help and suggestions so far. Taking the head off went very smoothly and, as you can see, the problem was very obvious...
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The engine is only three or four years old, can I just replace the broken valve or do I really need to replace the whole set?

There doesn't appear to be any breach of the gasket. Should I be concerned in the difference in colour of the valves for cylinders 1 and 2 and cylinders 3 and 4? Is there anything else I should be concerned about?
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[bmcecosse]

Well you obviously need at least that exhaust valve renewing - look carefully at the other 3 before ordering - or just order 4 to be safe. These two cylinders (1 and 2) look VERY oily - I suspect some bore/piston problems there.... But sort out the valve(s) and bang the head back on. And see what happens.

[Declan_Burns]

Maybe that valve hit what looks to be a pocketed block. I would measure that before re-fitting the head.
Regards
Declan

[bmcecosse]

It's a standard head - and standard block....... No chance of any collision!!

[MarkyB]

It will be interesting to see the damage on that valve, it looks like that bit has broken off rather than burnt away.
Definitely have all the valves out for a grind and replace that one.
If they are that new I doubt any more than that one will need replacing.

[bmcecosse]

The damage to #2 exhaust is typical of what happens when the gaps are not maintained. My advice - set exhausts at 15 thou and check/reset every 3000 miles.