I've just had the exact same problem two days ago and it was what looked like a slightly corroded connector on the main power feed, from being left disconnected for the time I was rebuilding, solenoid kicked out ok but no spinny spinny. gave it a good clean and bingo.

Well. I stripped it all back down starter off and rebuilt it. Cleaned all connections and turned engine over by hand. It started straight up and runs lovely. No bubbles in the header so far no oil showing at the back of the head. Only things are now either my alternator or steering pump belts are squeezing and the bottom hose doesn’t seem to want to get warm?
I’ll have to keep an eye on that but so far so good. Thanks for everyone’s input.

bottom hose wont get ward until stat opens u need to lock the fan up or push it hard on a drive for that to happen

Glad you got it running man. Yeah race the engine for a bit that should get the stat open , good idea to re check the tappets hot too,(0.25mm) if you just did the head bolts incrementally probably a good idea to re check the torque while you've got the cover off , wait for the engine to cool down for this though.

Well I just thought I’d give a final comment on the thread. As soon as I got her running and up to temp there’s no more bubbles in the header tank and the water is now free from oil. Still got a bit of oil near the throttle body so next will be a catch can or turbo deals. Good news is it’s running spot on and no more oil leak from the back of the head. Get winter out of the way and I think I’ll look at giving the old girl some beauty treatments. Thanks again for all the help.
Cheers Lee.

new gasket on the TB or some RTV

Sorry mate RTV??

silicon gasket maker

dirko i my fav

https://www.eurocarparts.com/search/3007...VwaAp2xEALw_wcB

Ahhh thank you.