smyth 602, ALWAYS try to fix your car yourself! you may get it wrong or right but in the end, look at the satisfaction
these forums help too
andy

or get someone who does know their way around the engine to show you

Minor update, folks. Sean has very kindly offered to give me a lesson tomorrow on how to troubleshoot the engine and give it a once-over

All I need to do between now and then is refit the wing, replace the headlamps, jack the front of the car up off of the bump stops, get whatever the crap is in the tie-rod threads removed, refit the eye-bolts, find the knife edges & refit, approximately set the ride height, stick the mangled air filter sponge back in as the replacement hasn't arrived yet and try to get the bleedin' thing started!

Oh, and I'm working 14:00 - 00:00 today

Wish me luck!

Hope it's a bit warmer for you chaps tomorrow.
Maybe leave that wing off, makes life easier on a Dyane/Acad to get at the rocker covers and set the valve clearances...

i have to stay at home and be responsible adult so mountain will have to come to Mohamed rockers will be too hot to set but one of the engines lying about will be pressed into classroom prop

the M9 is a fave spot for the DVLA and Police to do vehicle checks so a wing and 2 working headlamps are a desirable
.

Well, after a freezing cold, but thoroughly fruitful day under the tutelage of Sean, my van is like a new beast! Long story short, it was a mix of timing, valve clearances and the points cam catching on a protruding screw of all things

Pictures to follow if I can be bothered

Was Sean too polite to say that's about par for the course?

I think so lol, although i have to admit the points cam was definitely a new one on me!

Also learned that I have a Portuguese engine and that my oil feed tubes are posh

Congrats on your success.....