Guy's, thanks for the advice. Like I said, I was a diesel fitter for a long time, so I'm used to fuel/air/compression and thats all you need.....LOL
To answer a few of the questions, the tank is new, as is the line and the fuel filter.
The exhaust is ok, not bloked, but the "flutter" valve in the exhaust manifold is a little stiff, so I will strip and free this off later.
The trans is a stock 3-on-the-tree.I will re0set the points, it was on my list of "to do", as I knew they would wear quite a lot initially.

General consensus points towards check and double check the timing, I'll run thru' that first thing and report back.
Thanks for the advice dude's, very much appreciatted.
Taff