When it did finally start, it was apparent that the car was unhappy, with lots of spitting, popping and lack of power. The car was left again pending advise from forum members.
Concensus of opinion leaned towards giving the car a fresh tank of fuel and a good run, assuming all other vital signs were O.K. Back to John:
The advice on my engine problem/paranoia came good. Filled it up with petrol yesterday and took it out for an hour. First 30mins no power whatsoever in the low revs, no acceleration in the high revs and a sound like someone was banging a stick around the inside of a metal bucket.
So I pulled over feeling a little dismayed, checked my oil and let it idle for five minutes.
Drove back to my garage and suddenly everything was fine. Foot to the floor. Big smile on face. Result.

