Yep, its the 16v. I'd been running the car as it is (very rough) for 4 days previous to the test (first apt. they had). Perhaps that was the possible source of the carbon-Not sure what else it could be? Before this the mechanic suspected low compression on a cylinder just from hearing it start, but the idle was smooth and i was content with leaving it alone for a few months.

The shop owner said that the head gasket could be blown between the two leaking cylinders, causing leak through that way.

T-Is there any way I can find out of the cylinder itself is ok before I give them they go ahead to do the headwork?

cheers,
dan r.