Comment: Simpson Day 8 (updated)

We won't know what the actual problem is until the vehicle finally gets back to Melbourne for the mechanic to fix it.

What I do know is that (a) it is six week old used short motor (not reconditioned) that according to the supplier only had about 50 km on it - probably from Japan where taxes cause vehicles to be scrapped at a very young age. (b) the mechanic fitted a new timing belt at the same time as fitting the engine. (c) there had been no hint of a problem with the engine until after that one high-revving run up Big Red, (d) the engine is not seized; it turns over easily, has normal oil level, and does run but knocks really badly when trying to idle. Basically it does run but has no power at low revs and won't idle. Hence why I am guessing an ignition or valve timing issue, maybe because of a loose timing belt that has slipped a tooth or two, at least on one bank. But I am not a mechanic so I could be completely wrong.