wardy and trev thanks for getting in touch. you certainly sound as if you know what you are talking about.
As for the volt test thing...... well i can honestly tell you i have no idea what you are on about there sorry???

alan is a good man and he knows his stuff, he put my car on the rolling road twice and put some pressure sensor thingy on the fuel pump but could not narrow the problem down??
I think i will take it back to him very soon and leave the car with him for some time then he might be able to find the problem.
thanks again for getting in touch