I think you are right (again) mr chav. The pulley seems to be causing the problem, ive done many a cambelt change etc, and never found this hassle. The head is off the block so im trying to get it ready for mating with the block, i think the best bet is to chuck the original pulley on and set up as per the marks and change the pulley over afterwards. Yes its the timing and the ignition timing as the distributer camer off whilst changing the cam.

Cheers,

Neil