Having been dragged away for the weekend I’m once again spending a work day evening on the car, this time concentrating on the starting issue. I’ve replaced the air filter (ECP kindly gave me the right one this time) and have taken the distributor cap off and given all the points a good clean. This hasn’t helped, but I am glad I’ve done it anyway – good peace of mind.

I’ve tried to change the spark plugs but I note that the car’s spark plug tool is clearly for a different car. I’ve been to Halfords in an attempt to buy another one but they’ve got nothing suitable. The access hole is deep and narrow, and the plugs require a 12mm spark socket (which is actually an 18mm nut – I guess the 12mm figure is the diameter of the thread). I’ve mail ordered a suitable socket and a locking 450mm 3/8 wrench extension bar.