ah okay i got ya
...sounds like the same engine as mine, no? 2tne68
yep reckon i got all the basics needed, spanner sets, adjustables, socket sets, grips, wrenches etc, drivers and bits...
i see. is it common for them to go out of timing... and out of curiousity what is it that can cause the timing to change?
every time the digger discussion comes up with the old man, he says the same thing ..."its gotta be electrical, im sure its electrical". I keep explaining to him that this means nothing unless we can identify which component is not working due to failed electrics, such as the plugs arent getting power, or the solenoid isn't operating. But all the essentials seems to be working as should. I explained that were thinking its compression issue, buts he's committed to electrics

i think he had a little panic on about me opening the engine up to investigate. Anyway today he popped round to check the electrics and has managed to kill the solenoid. To be fair there seemed to be a small break in one of the wires for the solenoid, which made it intermittent if it wasn't fixed into a certain position. It definitely did work, as i operated it when removed, it makes a loud click so its easy to know when its working or not. I think the cable worsened since it has been removed a few times when troubleshooting. The solenoid is a sealed unit and the wire break seems to be right where it means the solenoid in a rubber neck, so can't get in to repair it.
Anyway now its dead so gonna source a replacement.
I got a solid work week but i'm hoping i might be able to get some work done on it next weekend.