Niall's 2000 306 XS A.K.A Craig

[Niall]

My 1.8 had chronic oil-burning issues, turned out to be the oil control rings. Have you checked that this isn't the problem on yours? Don't know how much easier it is to do with the head on/off. I know you can test oil seals on valves by pouring a little petrol into them, maybe it's the same with piston rings? Otherwise it's a leakdown test, which looks like you might need specialist equipment.

It's not. You generally develop a slight bit of play in the pistons when the rings go and there's none. Also, there has been oil and coolant sitting in the cylinders for the past 2 days and that hasn't gone anywhere!

Poodle, I'm getting tempted to sack it. There's a chance now it could need a new block....