MISFIRING - COILS REPLACED BUT ALL 6 NOT FIRING

2002 Peugeot 406 SE V6 AUTO petrol
Car: Peugeot 406
Year: 2002
Variant: SE V6 AUTO petrol
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Engine missing and poor power - had thought exhaust blocked by collapsed cats into pipe (as this had happened before & when removed all came good).Symptoms very similar but appears that NOT all 6 cylinders firing.

Coils replaced but mechanic cannot seem to get all 6 to fire (assuming plugs are all ok). Completely baffled: engine had pushed blue smoke on deceleration which suggested valve guide seals fail (car had not been driven for 6-9mths) but specialist engine rebuild mechanic does not think that's the case....believe misfiring may be causing blow-by.

This has been going on for ages & everybody seems utterly stumped. Is there possibility that firing signal to coil is at fault and where does that signal-to-fire come from?
Is it possible timing belt has jumped a slot...cam belt changed less than 5,000km back (by authorised Peugeot service centre)?

Thanks for any help I can find.
Problem added: Dec 17, 2012 (11 years ago)
as car stood for a while it could be hydraulic lifter fault.or sticking buckets. A good engine flush and oil change may help.It could also be a vvt hub sticking or solenoid fault.
Answered Dec 17, 2012 (11 years ago)

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