Thanks for those tips, will do these checks. Don't think it could be the head as no emulsion in oil and water levels all fine. cheers.

Hi have been looking in forums for a while, but first post. We have owned a near original FC for last 6 months, all was sweet with near daily use and usual TLC until Thursday when on 40 C day my wifehad to do an extended run around the suburbs. Apparently it gave a massive backfire and then died in Thornlie full of wife and kids. A couple of us went out to see if we could resurrect her, but something horrible appears to have happened to timing and would not start (but no nasty noises). I am not mechanical, but have been told to expect either stripped timing gear or cracked head at this stage...anyway, upshot is I am looking for recommendations for a suitable mechanic in Perth (ideally somewhere near Welshpool or Osbourne Park) to entrust the FC to. Any suggestions?