thanks for replying, i have only just got my car back as i had the engine removed to paint the engine bay. it started first time prior to this. the garage had problems trying to get it running when they refitted the engine. i think they lost interest in it and wanted it out of the way. i will try it again in the morning and if that fails i will do what you said. is it easy to locate the cold start (not really hands on when it comes to engines). when it finally goes back on the road going to get it set up properly