Well I spent all day yesterday cleaning, rebuilding, playing with the timing (you dont want to know how many times I had that on and off!)

Then atlast at 18.30 she breathed into life. She sounded as tappety as hell to start with and after 10 minutes and once up to temp she sounded much quieter. At this point I decided to drop the oil once more as was guessing it would be full of crud from having the head off again and boy was I glad. It flowed rapidly from the engine along with a little water (from when head removed). Then removed filter cap top to find the brand new filter that I bought off flea bay (was supposed to be genuine but wasnt) to be full of crap and collapsed  >:(.

Cleaned filter out refitted gen vx filter and refilled with gen vx oil. Dropped water and flushed then refilled with 50/50.

Took her out for a run at 19.30 (I drove that suddatley I thought I was a learner  ;D) and all went ok. Ive done just over 30 miles now with no problems so fingers crossed, however not put her in sport or took her above 60 yet. Thought Id let everything bed in first!!

Thanks to all for all the advice and especially bumbazor for the loan of the locking kit (sorry Ive had it so long!!), mutantcav/markeymark/vauxmad for all the urgently needed spares couldnt have managed it all without you lot  :y

Just got to find a dipstick/tube and she will be all complete.

Keep on motoring  ;D

Patience is rewarded  :y :y :y :y :y :y :y

Good work, glad it's nearly over for you :)

Well done bud - fingers crossed for you!

I take it you fitted your free cam sprocket then?

Yes I did mate, sorry forgot you  ::)

it was the correct one and arrived on time as stated. Ended up having to remove both other cams and cleaning p the end cap due to too much sealant like on cam 3. Didnt fancy risking it and was proven right when I removed them.

Im just glad shes now running, hopefully no more busses for a while  :D

if you fancy a run over bud i found a dipstick and tube today !  :y

Well at last !!!
this saga has nearly been as long running as the Waltons TV show.
Well lets hope you can now enjoy the fruits of your labour
Good Luck and safe driving ;) :y

lol thanks  ;D

Will see mark, not sure what Im doing at weekend  :y