Hi Guys, been missing in action for a few months,since I posted my problem. Anyway I thought I owe'd a post to all the guys who tried to solve it.

I am back on the job determined to fix this problem, started to pull the engine down slowly until I came accross the offending bit.

Gearbox outer cover off primary chain and clutch out, timing side cover off and crank pinion out,head and cylinder off, pistons off.

When I got to this point I realised by moving the conrods that the left hand rod was tight on the big end (pistons and the bores were in great nick, std)

I thought this might be due to the fact that I had incorporated a norton spin on oil filter prior to this problem??????But on checking the oil pipes, all are fitted correctly, so what caused this is still a puzzle.I am so close to pulling the engine now and while I am in there I will pull the infamous sludge trap which could be the guilty party?

I only have to remove the mount bolts and rear mount plates now before I can remove the engine.

1st of many questions, to remove the right rear mount plate on a 1979 T140D I have to remove the rear brake pivot bolt, what size is it? and how do I go about it? all advice much appreciated.

Cheers again
MG MIO (Manc in Ozz)