Yeah, didn't find any carbon buildup. so cLAY is probably right. All 4 pistons has some degree of black carbon sitting on top. Head gasket looked ok, but i guess it doesn;t take much.
Found a complete motor yesterday for $1300 with 10,000 less kms than mine had. Out of a write off and guaranteed for 101 days.
Now I just have to figure out a way to lift the motor out. I know cranes are pretty cheap, but I have a 2 ton chain hoist. I was going to throw a 4x4 in my garage rafters, but reading about it on-line didn't leave me with a ton of confidence.