Trev Thanks, then I guess I cant be out on the crank timing. I now wonder if it could be a sensor fault? I would not have thought so as the rev counter works ok on cranking but from reading other posts this is not always the case. I scarily recall that the crankshaft cam belt drive toothed pulley was not keyed to the crank, but could not recall if this was the case with the reluctor ring. I should mention that my engine is the Ford / Peugeot cross job. whatever it's called? No fault codes appear but I think I'm correct in saying that the crank position reluctor ring fault wont throw a bring up a fault code?

Thanks again

The sensor is the cheaper of the two so it would be a good place to start. However where is start is with a scope reading on the sensors and if all good physically checking the timing. It can be done without removing the top timing cover through a grommet. The rev counter will not work if the sensor is open/ short circuit but will count revs if the signal is scrambled due to sensor not reading correctly or target ring damaged.

And yes it is not uncommon for the crank sensor circuit not to throw up a fault.

Is this the set up for the crank pulley target ring you have?

Yes Trev that would be it right enough. I guess the sensor must be good though due the rev counter giving a good steady reading during cranking from memory around 200rpm when cranking. And due to the fact that it's keyed to the crankshaft I guess the timing can't be out. The locking pins were in place when the timing belt was renewed.
I'm not at home for a while so cant check if the injectors are actually getting a power pulse.
I've now got hold of an old oscilloscope and bought a current clamp for it to see if I have power to the injectors. cant think of any other way to check this and didn't fancy sticking a finger in the injector supply plugs to see if there was juice there when cranking

A Noid test light is for testing power to injectors but Weakon injector quick probe is also a very good tool for checking them.

Like I keep saying just because it is reading RPM doesn't mean anything. other than the circuit/target ring are not totally done in. My one was reading RPM on the speedo as well, but the target ring had a small ding in it meaning the PCM doesn't know where TDC. A faulty sensor could also have the same effect and still read RPM.

Not to go questioning anyone's ability as I am partial to a woopsie. But I would always check over what has been done previous, just for piece of mind. it can be checked in around 30 minutes.

where in Aberdeenshire are you?

Hi Trev, Yes I'll definitely now take a look at the target ring and sensor again. I'm pretty sure I didn't damage the ring but will check the ring and sensor and wiring again.
I understood that a noid light was only good for petrol injection solenoid low voltage type injectors? Must admit I've never heard of a Weakon injector probe so I'll now look one up on the web.
I'm located just outside Blackburn.
I much appreciate your help with this. I did serve my time as a mechanic many years ago in the old West End Garage Kittybrewster (soon to be pulled down). Plugs & Points is more my era though. Thanks again.