right.. ive swappd them over and....... it cranks but wont fire up. so i swapped them back and it starts first time but with the 3.5K splutter again.

ive checked the voltages of the ECT, ACT and MAP sensor and these read what they should back at the ecu at idle when cold and hot and when not running, all ok.

any more ideas..? would incorrect gapping of the tdc and/or phase sensor cause the same problem...?