Burnt valve was the verdict - major surgery required.

Mechanic says: oil everywhere, so valve guide seals etc all round - basically reconditioning head, replacing chain etc.
Funny it didn't seem to smoke much.

Had banked on that verdict and he'd already quoted £800 ( $1400?) - but then the bombshell.....
He can't guarantee the problem won't simply arise again because, and I quote: "with that much oil getting burned, the drain holes will have become bunged up with carbon - I'll have to drop the engine, and take the pistons out to clean up properly"

Can we engine flush? "No"

I've searched the forum and find lots of valve guides/stem seals/burning oil/burnt valve threads - but no mention of there being such a dire consequence, piston-related consequence.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated - or am I just being milked? This 'piston work' is nearly doubling the original total cost - and would obviously include new rings. What are the odds he subsequently suggests a rebore while we're at it?

For a $2000 car, spending $2500 on what seems like a complete engine overhaul is a worry - particularly as the car had apparently been very regularly serviced.
Can I smell lemon?

thanks for any help you can offer -

Alex