Well, broke down last night on way to tonys for him to have a gander. car was making noise as if on some cars u start the car, then turn the key again and it makes that awful grinding noise.

they come and tow me round to his mates, and after deciding to leave it there, tony decides to "check" something.

i try cranking it, and it was doing as before, but tony had noticed problem.

half a bolt holding the gearbox to the block

tighten it all back up, still same, and under inspection of the starter motor, notice it has no teeth in the point of it

Swap it for another, and after a bit of faffing around, manage to get it to start.

took it for a drive, and it really does drive like a different car. i suppose it would do with a gearbox now attached to the engine

So, Tony, thanks very fookin much for ya help, and will get the beer & scram sorted this week