Well iv adjusted all the tappets on the car today. Ended up having to turnover the engine by jacking up a wheel and turning while in 4th gear (thanks for the advice redscamp).
She now runs nice and smooth.
Next job, sort out knocking noise while in reverse. Im going to drain and refill the gearbox and diff and grease the propshaft tomorrow so hopefully the good weather will last

Check the gearbox mount too, if its perished it can knock due to being forced the opposite direction when in reverse.

If the midget is tapping his fingers, give him something to do...

^ give him a fishing rod... or a leprachaun outfit... should see an end to the boredom finger tapping

[Edited on 26/7/08 by blakep82]