[grahamwatson]

Thanks Harvey. That's exactly the sort of experience I am trying to tap in to! I don't want to pull the gearbox for nothing.

Engine power is OK, I think. I say that because once it gets going, the car goes well. Kickdown also works ok, though not as enthusiastically as in a modern. But I am assuming that is an unfair comparison, not least comparing 3 speeds with 7 or 8.

And I have had the binding brakes situation, resolved with a resultant significant mpg improvement. But my fuel consumption is back under 20 again, without any brake binding now.

When I said a "failing stator clutch" I had in mind that the clutch could be slipping. Is that also what you were considering? On the other hand, I understand that if that clutch seizes it can lead to the drag you refer to, with consequent poor acceleration at higher speeds. But that's not a problem I have.

Is this making any sense?!