After all the troubles yesterday i decided to have another look at the reconditioned starter. after an hour of trying to file a new groove in the top of the screw for purchace, i lost it and hit it with a hammer to try and straighten the two castings up.

it did and also the bottom came out and inside there was some cardboard wedged between the case and the rotor. i removed it and the this freed things up.

i put it back together, with one new screw as one of the originals came out bent. tested ok and then put it back in the car. it turnsover much faster. i did not try to start the car as friends were ariving for lunch.

i still think that the engine is very tight.

many thanks to you all, but special mention the David J, for his help yesterday.

Ditch

Hooray!