[acowden]

I think I know the answer, but I'll ask anyway...

1999 Carrera Cabriolet, 71,000 miles, burning oil in #3 cylinder. Often smokes (blue smoke), sometimes heavily, at startup. #3 cylinder failed compression test - visual inspection after pulling spark plug does not show any scoring. Dealer suggests it is either a bad valve guide, worn oil ring, or cracked cylinder head.

3 questions:

Any thoughts on these possibilities?

Are there other possible causes?

How urgent is it to pull the engine to confirm a diagnosis and repair?

Thanks in advance!