so.. fitted new temp gauge (feel like I should've just calibrated an original in the end)
not much bother- sensor only just fit and when I tightened up the clamp at the back of gauge the needle swept round to full
loosened it off and seemed fine.
also fitted thermostat and ladies tights.
went for short test and few miles later power dropped a bit and noticed temp gauge off the scale (not the best at keeping an eye on this), then noticed engine racing when I pulled the clutch in. home again with minimum revs, high gear, wide throttle etc.
thought it was an air leak and the gauge messing about but slightly worse.
if I hadnt had knee pads on under jeans I might have noticed my leg getting wet
coolant leak and gauge was working properly
very lucky to get home without seizing, compression is still good. cant quite believe it went for even one mile (of the 2 or 3) to get home, at the temp it was indicating 120+
Powervalve cable seized due to melted outer casing.
have a good spare coolant rail but feel like getting stainless or aluminium one made
it never rains but it pours, there was a silver lining though, I think.