http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/andycad/g1.jpg
http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/andycad/g2.jpg
just got back from the garage. Nothing apparently major wrong with the gasket to my eyes but he's identified 2 points where he thinks it's gone which you can see from the photos. Worse news is that there are hairline cracks between the 2 valve courts in 2 of the cylinders. I haven't managed to get a decent picture of these cracks yet, so not posted.
Surfing the Internet I found the specialist who would repair it but it would take 8 weeks and £600!. As the chances of getting a hold of a 1.7 head are pretty remote is, I've got 2 choices.
It is 1. Have the engine put back together with a new head gasket and hope that solves most of the problem or at least gives me a chance to fix it with k-seal. Probably will end up going for engine replacement, but at least I might have a usable car for the moment.
Or 2. Leave the engine dismantled, and have the garage that gave me the decent quote of £180 for engine replacement tow it 200 m to the street outside their place - they'll at least have less work to do when it comes to removal.
Bearing in mind the only extra cost involved in going for option one would be the £25 costs of the gasket, I'd be inclined to go for that.