OK, here goes then...
The idling speed is now much faster than before, I haven't made any changes to the mixture/speed settings, the only thing I can think of would be an air leak somewhere which I have yet to trace.
Second issue is I put a new clutch in when I had the engine out, since the ressurection of the engine I can't get into 1st gear without double clutching it, or into reverse at all (4 speed) without first shutting down and restarting once in gear. My first thought is to bleed the clutch, but I havn't opened the hydraulic system, so unless a knackered seal on the slave cylinder is letting air in, surely this can't be the problem?
A note on the above- I found a top-hat shaped washer of some kind in my tool drawer last week, and I remember this sitting on the input shaft for the gearbox when I dismantled, but it was forgotten about when re-assembling, do you know the function of said item? I will post a photo when I get home from work. A massive schoolboy error I know
Third issue is oil-related. there is oil all the way up the dipstick. The crankcase breather is clear, but the hose from the breather to the air intake is old and tends to kink, so I suspect this could be the issue, would that be a possibility?
That's my thoughts on the issues, as always your input is much appreciated. I can shift onto a new thread if necessary.