hello gup cheers for your help matey

its MAF so no oil in that area but i like your thinking

its also dizzyless although it does have a crank sensor and a another kidna of pick up from the same place the distributor used to be when the engines were used in old uno turbos etc. - im not completely sure if its adjustable but i spose i best check it - been a bit lazy with it the last week or so as been busy with other things - always the same when you are a mechanic eh?!

plugs are pre-gapped as they are tripples altho i did put new ones in 2 days ago and checked the gaps which were ok.

i said to dave i think it might be a knock sensor, but he pointed out that it pinks momentarily, then it holds back - he thinks that the holding back is due to the knock sensor interrupting things - i really should check things out but i cant find the time - i cant do it at home cos parents and neighbours etc.

dave also said maybe fuel pump or pressure reg has got tired....i dunno....