Its a thought. The spark plugs are those with a tapered seat (not a washer), and the tapered seat is not in contact - i put some copper grease on to see if it was wiped off and it wasn't.

Hmm - if I feel brave I'll have another go.

And Dave - yes I will do the other side but I can't get a replacement yet... so I shall do the bad side first.

Cheers
Nick