So I've had a look with a crow bar and get movement on both front radius arms I can move them up and down with my hand just a little and all the exposed rubber bushes front and back look like this. think I'm going to be busy next weekend.

Had cooper atr's all round when I bought it rears have been changed (cheap atr's) since due to damage I'll find out what they are the fronts I believe are cooper atr's n/s/f is getting near the limit o/s/f half worn other than the weight it's gain in welded plates still the same.

Had this D1 for 7 years now I'm sure it was a lot smoother on the road and if it felt like it does now wouldn't have bought it.standard set-up Armstrong shocks original springs tyres 235/70 r16 atr's at 28 front 32 rear will adjust pressures later as car not here at mo same for the bushes which...

Checked all the ball joints and changed all four shocks (worn out) handling is much better but the ride is still harsh every little bump feels like a pot hole...pot holes feel like hitting a house brick can't hear anything banging or knocking but hard to hear over the dash and trim rattling done...

From your pics looks like it's coming out the pass the filler cap probably due to foaming. clean off all the fluid so you can identify where the leak is coming from. top up and try bleeding the steering box there's a bleed nipple on the top near where the pipes fit into it.

What ever you do to it will come back as steel has been folded and rollled the rust will creep inside the lamination a few cm's.rust is like cancer the only long term way is to cut it out don't get me wrong done a few repairs in the past that have lasted many years but by hiding it made it far...

If you clean the plastic bend on the sender should be arrows to show flow direction. just one other thing are you sure your lift pump is good mine also ran from a can ok but couldn't pull the fuel up fast enough from the tank due to a faulty check/one way valve inside the lift pump if you remove...

You may find that the fuel tank sender union is just a lump of rust like mine and will destroy the pipe getting it undone also may have to grind the screws off that hold the cover plate on. check it out before you start it might possibly be where the airs getting drawn in thru pin holes.

:D:D:D my god it hasn't started or ran this good for years:D:D:D think that lift pump been playing up all this time just goes to show just because it primed on the lever doesn't mean it's ok.

Found a video on Youtube "300tdi lift pump autopsy" these have two check/ one way valves inside one of mine has failed.can really feel the difference on the new unit it sucks and blows :D.will fit tomorrow.was going to check sender but very badly corroded unions will replace as soon as I get...

Does sound like classic clutch slip.mabey just the plates worn or possibly oil contamination.

Cheers gazbo just removed the pump and glad to report all the arm is there.is there a bench test I can do to confirm as I delivers fuel on priming lever and cranking only and can feel a vacuum under my finger but no pressure on outlet but I can feel a puff of air when uncovered.what is the life...

:( Pollock's!!! :( still doing it not getting any fuel out of the bleed screw with engine running but do if I use the priming lever on the lift pump..can only guess the lift pumps lazy.

Thanks for the help shes running again :D.

Thought I would have a go at the sedimenter and after many cups of tea success and I now have a doughnut to go with my next cup of tea

Over time the springs will compress with the constant beating they get but yes as above.

Ok I'm awake.coolant level,air filter and IP timing are all as should be.ordered a lift pump and 5m of fuel hose to bypass the sedimenter as I can't get the bolt undone or the fuel unions as all rotted away and round.the smoke smelt of fuel and only produced while in its death throws of idle.

Again thanks for the help going to check the coolant level this afternoon when it's cooled down see if I get a hiss as I undo the cap and I need to sleep now (night worker).I think (maybe clutching at straws) getting fuel priming the pump by hand or cranking but it can't keep up with the...

After plenty of cranking will start and idles beautiful for 20 seconds then lumpy for a short while with smoke then cuts out,this process can be repeated until I flattened the battery which is now on charge.as it is now totally un-driveable

Ok thanks will check that.just had the bleed screw off the filter after priming the filter took 10 strokes before fuel appeared started and idle was ok for 15 seconds then lumpy opened the bleed screw while engine was still running no diesel appeared and after 10 seconds died fueling problem?.