Thanks guys,

Was planning on doing a valve clearance adjustment fairly soon in any case - I know these engines are noisy but there seems to be a clatter that sounds like one valve in particular is out more than the others (sounds a bit like an injector ticking).

I think the one cylinder with the particularly carboned plug might have a leaky injector. Once I've got an electric fan on it (visco fan was seized) I'll put some fuel system cleaner through it and give it a good run. hopefully with that, a general service, and a valve adjustment it'll start running a bit better.

Mike

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280CE auto in metallic blue (97k miles), bought as a project; converted to 230CE, hopefully ending up immaculate.