
Possible contributing factors: unleaded head installed two weeks ago along with new timing chain and camshaft (standard). Has also had new coil, plugs and rotor arm (has something like lumenition) and carb refurb kit - these were done before the head was replaced and shouldn't be a factor. Head has been torqued down for 2nd time and all gaps are correct.
With plugs out engine turns with almost no resistance and there are no high spots. Compression check tonight shows all 4 cylinders equal on 150 psi. I have advanced timing a bit.
Other factors: vacuum pipe is properly fitted now when it must have been leaking before (diaphragm on dizy seems ok). Emission control valve now fitted with CORRECT rocker cover filler plug.
It doesn't seem mechanical in origin and can't find anything else wrong. I guess a sticking valve would have shown up in the compression test? Thanks in anticipation, John