16-03-12, 05:03 PM
Doesn't sound good, Graham, no pun intended. 
My guess from your description is that the cam chain has jumped a couple of teeth. The tinkle-rattle noises were probably a few valves playing 'kiss the piston'. Your starter motor is spinning easier because you don't have full compression on all cylinders as a result. I would be delighted to be wrong.
You can see the cam chain drive sprocket by removing the right-side engine cover. To check the cam timing you'll need to remove the cam cover, of course. If the chain has moved you could try refitting it correctly and do a compression check on all cylinders, offering up prayers to whatever higher power you might rely on in time of crisis.
Good luck from me, too.
My guess from your description is that the cam chain has jumped a couple of teeth. The tinkle-rattle noises were probably a few valves playing 'kiss the piston'. Your starter motor is spinning easier because you don't have full compression on all cylinders as a result. I would be delighted to be wrong.
You can see the cam chain drive sprocket by removing the right-side engine cover. To check the cam timing you'll need to remove the cam cover, of course. If the chain has moved you could try refitting it correctly and do a compression check on all cylinders, offering up prayers to whatever higher power you might rely on in time of crisis.
Good luck from me, too.