get a decent timing light with adjustment to bring advance back down to Z1. Use same light for whole procedure as different mfg lights may read a few deg dfferent. Then your readings will be more specific.

Are the valve clearances correct?
Is it poosible #1 is not at the stock location so the entire diz is 180 degrees off (or some other increment- 30, 60, 120, etc)? I replaced the distributor on my 914 and realized that when it was rebuilt the diz drive was installed 90 degrees off. With the notch set to where it should have been , the car started and ran at 2K rpm, and was not responsive to adjustment. Did you do the infamous chop-stick test to be sure #1 was TDC?

OK I think the problem might be solved....

Today I pulled off the right carb and pulled it apart, nothing obvious there. Put it all back together and put it back on the engine using the correct gaskets and......what the? The engine gets warm and i turn down the idle and I don't believe it but I think the problem has gone. Took it for a good drive and got it nice and warm, the idle still hangs slightly but I'm hoping this will be fixed when I replace the gaskets on the other side.

I had previously used some gaskets that I got from the carb shop that were a lot thinner than the genuine ones. I'd never been able to find a leak by spraying carb cleaner but maybe this is one of those little things that make a difference?

Thanks to all of you for your help and suggestions.

That's some good news mate. Whilst you're playing in the area; consider adding the insulating blocks between the heads and the manifolds - especially given your hot location.

John, Where do you get the blocks?

Thanks John, they are on my list of things to buy.

An engine fire is not what I need!!!!

PMO were carrying them. I had a quick look in Pelican, but couldn't find them.

Basically they are 1" bakelight spacers that help prevent heat from the heads making its way up into the carby... fuel boiling can be a real issue in these older cars. The kit comes with 6 gaskets and extra long studs.

Thread here http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54950&highlight=insulat or+blocks

Thanks John. I'll check PMO, otherwise I'll fab.