The motor runs and I have confirmed spark on cylinders one and two but it's not firing. I have checked and rechecked everything yet it won't fire on one and two. I'm afraid it's the head.

Any suggestions, especially those that don't include a stuffed head, are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Ross.

Plug wires crossed?
Plugs stuffed?
Resister plug connectors stuffed?

I've checked and rechecked firing order and plugs. Good spark at the plugs when they're pulled out and earthed. I should mention, it's a 1200 so of course single port and single carb so I've ruled out fuel because it's running on cylinders 3 and 4.

I'ts got good almost new leads (proper VW ones) too.

Any other suggestions????

just cause they are new doesnt mean they arent faulty.....u never know

Well, after all the heartache thinking the head was stuffed, I sprung for a compression tester and the result was excellent. Running 150psi, more than enough.

The only other thing I can think of is a leaky inlet manifold leading to such a lean mixture that it won't run. Does this sound right???

Yes...I would be checking for air leaks on the intake.It doesn't take much air for it to not work......

By chance, I found a hole in the intake manifold on the right side. It was hidden down on the bottom (on the fan side of course) where the heat riser pipes meet the manifold. Who knows why it got a hole there (it was about 5mm across), but I've fitted another manifold and all is well.

Thanks guys.