heres an update
took it to another specialist and got told it was the metering head. replaced this and it hasn't started since. the engine turns but wont fire up.....at all
sounds as if it has got an air leak because on the 2nd turn of the key there is a loud squeaking noise - any ideas anyone???
the "popping" noise before was the sound of the engine flooding.
any help will be more than welcome
Bren
P.S it is a 1.8 8v
P.P.S both the 1600 and the 1800 have ignition amplifier modules!!!!!!