Headgasket???? HELP PLEASE!!!

[scarlett 16v]

Hi all, ive got a problem with my 1990 16v golf.
Right this is how the problem started ever since I bought it, when I start up in the morning it would be really lumpy like it was only firing on 3 cylinders,but if you revved it up it would clear the problem. But now nearly 2 years on its doing it all the time and its now un driveable  as its only firing 3,its always on the 3rd cylinder along if your looking at the engine from the left to the right, I am also loosing about pint ish of water a month, I did have leaks but ive stopped them all but the water keeps on going.
Also when I hit 30 and 60 mph ish I can here a sort of air sucking or escaping sound.
Ive replaced the spark plugs,Ht leads,Cap, rotor arm and that injector on the 3rd cylinder, Ive even swopped the leads around as I thought it maybe a faulty lead but its the same.
Ive had a compression test done and they all were over 185? is that good?
My friend thinks it the head gasket gone and water is getting into the 3rd cylinder?

I am so sorry to go on but I am at a loss and could do with some advice as I am now driving around in a fiesta     

[Conker]

I've got a similar issue on my 16v, and I've found that one of the injectors wasn't atomising fuel properly, just squirting it in drops, and also the injector seal was a bit knackered.

I'm fitting the new injectors this week so I'll let you know if it cured the problem. (Fingers crossed)

In my (v.humble) opinion, a pint of water a month doesn't sound that bad - it will always use some water.

[takethefifth]

The compression test sounds fine but a bit more info is always useful.

Do you have any oil mixed in with the water? What is the smoke out the back like once its warm?

Are you saying its always the 3rd cylinder along that is NOT firing? And how did you figure this out?

Have you had that 3rd cylinder plug out and checked the spark by grounding it on the engine?

Getting a 'sniff' test (i think its called...) done at a garage will soon tell you if its the head gasket. 

[scarlett 16v]

Thanks guys for the replys.
Well the oil is fine as in not a creamy colour and the water is fine as I keep topping it up so it always seems clear.
As for finding out that it was the 3rd cylinder, when the car starts donig it I can take off the lead and it makes no difference to the car if that makes any sense?
I think I will ask about a sniff test tomorrow.
Does this sound like head gasket failure? 

[dubslug]

sounds like no spark getting to 3rg cylinder....
take plug and lead out, rest it on engine and crank it over see if it sparks??

[scarlett 16v]

No probs I will take the plug out and test it.
Really hope its something stupid.
Thanks dubslug

[dubslug]

takethefifth suggested it before me.....
does sound like lead or plug to me
is this fault intermitant???
plug isnt loose is it??