Car is very hard to start if that is relevant.
Standard gasket sets were used, they were very thin in any case. Nothing non-standard done with sealant either.
I don't think there is any heavy oil or grease in the cyclinders as there is no smoke or smell and engine has been driving for 200 miles.
Ring gaps is a possibility.
Does anybody know if Ford tried out new pistons and rings from the 2000 contour in Europe first, in which case I would have needed the newer rings?
The problem in Ireland is that Ford only do two engine parts, bottom end and top end and seem to know or care nothing about parts.!
Thanks, guys.