After some fun with getting the HT leads round the other way, it ran...

then it started knocking... LOUDLY!

quickly killed it and off came the cam covers thinking the timing was wrong and ive got bent valves... but it wasnt!

cranks over PERFECT (and pretty same quick with the plugs out, as fast as it is when "running")

but run the engine and it knocks VERY loudly. sounds like a top end noise.

run FINE tho.

compression of 180 on 2,4,5,6 170 on 1 and 3

what the on earth can it be! the timing is PERFECT, so valve to piston conact is almost impsible. all the cams are bolted down perfect too.

i REALLY hope i dont need to swap the engine out before the ring (not worth rebuilding a 24v imho)