Nice one, Happy ending! Should be all good :)

*Phew* I'd hate to see another motor lost!

Let us know how it goes when you re-fit everything

Well, I i've set up the carbs done the clearance and put it back together...

And it still sounds rough. Must be something further down in the engine so it looks like I'll have to get it out and strip it.

In the meantime I'm on the lookout for a replacement if anyone has one going spare? - There seem to be a few about.

did you make sure all the shims are there?

Sounds like you over-revved it when there was no oil at the top end..

Heres a tip if you dont have an engine stethascope.. get a long handled screwdriver... put the handle end on your ear and the tip on bits of the engine.. will act as a magnifier and you can hear internal noises.. do this till you find out where the rattle is