Do a compression test- that will give you a definate answer
yea.. compression test.. rather shifty results id say.
cylinder 1-110psi
2-100psi
3-115psi
4-130psi
i gather that at normal atmospheric pressure it should have around 130psi? cos you know.. at a compression ratio of 9.0:1 (k-jet 8valve) 9 atmospheres ~ 131psi. or 9.01 bar if you poms are that way inclined.
cylinders 2 and 4 have rather extreme results, and i got the same over multiple tests. cylinder 2 seems more likley though.. i may as well take the head off anyway, cant hurt anyone (oooo shouldnt have said that..). its overdue for a cambelt and its got leaking exhaust at the headers so i may as well hit it all at once.
Unless you've got other signs of HG failure don't worry, e.g. loss of coolant, oil in water, mayo in oil, overheating, white smoke or black smoke, or any of the above!
I HAVE OVER HEATING PROBLEMS it haunts me everytime i encounter a line of traffic or a red light. thats with new thermostat, good coolant mix, fan on.. sigh.
as for the new radiator cap, ill grab one when i nip down to the vdub spares place. i might even pick up one of those bloody spline tools that nobody seems to have. and ill also get dad to skim the head at no extra cost

. i also dont think ill charge myself for doing the cambelt either. save a bit of money for some petrol

cheers for the help !