Well, that was short lived.
Whilst trying to run the engine in, I've made a stupid mistake by topping up the oil with what I thought was the right grade, but which didn't mix for some reason.
Result is I think I've cooked my engine. Managed to get the car home, but was losing power and the engine was getting progressively more noisy. Went to start it up the following morning, and loads of white smoke tell me the head gasket's gone.
I replaced the gasket with a used one I had in the garage also using used head bolts (both used only once previously). Obviously, I know they're supposed to be replaced with new items, but couldn't get hold of them at the weekend. Started the car and still blowing white smoke.
Questions:
1. Is the head likely to be warped, which caused the head gasket failure. The gasket which was removed had no obvious damage, i.e. blowthrough etc...
2. Will a skim and new gasket / bolts replacement be likely to fix this?
3. Do you think using new head gasket and bolts will suffice without the skim?
Thanks.