Many thanks to so many good and very qucik ideas to try and things to check. In the case of the VR6 dying at start up lots of times before ticking over properly, I took note of the comment on the coolant level and noticed it below the minimum in the tank. I've now topped it up with best antifeeze from a local car spares shop. The car has been started about 10 times since yeaterday's top up and now starts first time everytime. I need to check out the dash connectors with WD40 and see if the sensors mentioned actually work - which sounds doubtful. If I find more I'll note it here for all.
fotocall