You can get compression testers for less than 20 quid on eBay and Amazon 

1 hour ago, thomasaspin said:

You can get compression testers for less than 20 quid on eBay and Amazon 

Thanks - on the way!

THnaks to everyone - you've really helped a newbie out here and its appreciated.

I'll post back when I have further news...

UPDATE / SOLUTION

• Tested compression - low on cylinder 1, OK-ish on 2 and 3.
• Towed to mechanic - his analysis was same as here - timing chain jumped.
• Stripped timing chain, crank out by one or two sprockets.
• Fitted new timing chain kit.
• Car started but very uneven, not running - v poor compression on cylinder 1 - fine on cylinder 2 and 3.
• Head off - valves damaged on cylinder 1 - OK on two and three.
• Off to engineering shop - head skim and new valves all round - thankfully no damage to guides/seats.
• Re-built and running sweet.

Takeaway:

• Don't park up hill in gear.... liable to jump timing chain - fix that stretched handbrake cable...
• After jumping one sprocket car kept running but poor performance, excess fuel consumption and ultimately killed CAT.

Thanks again for the helpful advice provided here - spot on!

 

 

 

 

It's OK to leave it in gear as long as you pick a gear that will result in the engine rotating in its normal direction if the car moves downhill.

So forward gear if facing nose-down, reverse gear if pointing uphill. Engine compression with movement will stop it just as well. 

Probably better to park with front wheels angled such that the kerb will stop it instead though. And yes, make the handbrake work properly.

 

Bet that was a scary bill?

Thanks Pete - that's useful info - so my mistake was leaving it facing uphill in first gear - should have used reverse gear....!

Chain and Head cost £1550 all in which seemed pretty reasonable all things considered.

What kind of a mechanic would fit a timing chain kit and start the engine when he has already done a compression test and found low compression on one cylinder?

 

Was the £1550 including a new catastrophic convertor?

 

You are likely to have paid the labour element of the timing chain replacement twice.

 

I cant account for why the valves were not bent on the other 2 cylinders but that should have saved you some expense.