So i thought id try my valve clearances at 16 thou as opposed to 15 thou on Mr Swifts advice to try something out, and mother of god, mr mini did not like that one bit!
Ran like a throbby sort of rhythm at the exhaust and popped and banged with any acceleration.
put it back to 15 thou and its smooth as you like.
Took the plugs out to reset them and they were black as the devils nut sack after the 16 thou incident which we will call "operation never again" - cleaned them up and back to normal.
what the frig is that all about? some sort of combustion issue?
also, right, if you are doing your valve clearances and turn the engine back a tad to get the right lift if you over shoot slightly - will this bugger it on ignition? make it run crap?
Also, a funny moment - left my feeler gauge on the rad bracket, forgot about it, started the car, feeler goes in the fan, and the fan loses an inch off one of the blades and the feeler gauge looks like a cartoon cigar thats exploded.
I am now going to stay in the house and read my haynes for a bit.