The Dispatch | Expert | Scudo Hub

Haven't a clue myself but think model, year and definitely pics would help.

Is it identical apart from marks?

I have a shot of Red X diesel system cleaner here next time you are around.  No use to me any more. 

Don't know how effective it might be but used to make me feel better.

It it was running ok when laid up it should be a very simple fix.

Sounds like two separate issues (at least ).  Poor running and now not starting.

How long is "standing a while", dirty fuel perhaps?  Clean fuel filter and check for good flow. 

The easiest and simplest thing with the starting problem would be to try another starter solenoid. 
You will need a multi meter to trace any electrical issue further.  Even a cheap basic one would do.

Yes, partial tongue in cheek Ken.

An ideal solution would be like some old bus (and dare I say tram) seats where the whole back support pivoted for and aft to give a seat in either direction.

Would take some good engineering for crash safety and seat belts, etc. 
But I bet there would be a good market for them.

Or a more robust version of this:-

I think anyone would be impressed!   
€250 to get a runner that gets through the test so easy is incredible!

Of course it did!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aboZctrHfK8&t=8s

Same here.  The first few days when you can sit with the side door open are some of the best in the year.
Apart from one exeptionaly nice day though, still frosts up here and even (imo unlikely) potential of snow tonight.

Awkward situation.

Not sure how I would handle it, things could get quite complicated.  I suppose it's his property now.
Whatever you do, clearly warn and give him notice of your decisions in ebay messaging.

ps...up your way in the next week or so,  You know where to find me if you fancy a run out and a laugh at my Noddy van.

https://dispatchexpertscudo.org.uk/foru … NFQ-P.jpeg

If it were a broken component still attached, you would expect the noise to be a consistent tap or knock in time with the revs.  Something broken loose would tend to be more random.

It it's something loose in the bell housing, it can rattle around a bit then get hooked up somewhere for a while.  So the rattling sound tends to be intermittent and unpredictable.
If it's something like a nut in there, that could occasionally lodge somewhere in the drive and lock it up.  Changing drive direction could then allow it to drop back out and the drive to turn again.

Other culprits apart from broken bits of clutch plate or release bearings are a nut from the pressure plate or a spring from the release arm.

Of course if could be a symptom of a more serious problem, but you would need to split the box to examine further anyway.

Not unusual with any vehicle.  Clutch release bearing loosing a few bits from the edge, maybe.  Could even be a bit of old gasket or hardened grease come loose and rattling against the flywheel.  So long as it's not a nut.
Of course not so simple to just drop the bell housing to have a look.
If it a fairly light tinkling sound and unless I already had concerns about the clutch, I would keep an ear on it and see if fixes itself.

The manuals and electrical diagrams are quite confusing for these vans.  Does sound like fuse and supply is the place to start.

It's quiet here on weekends but I am sure someone will know.

edit...
After a quick look araund, I stumbled on your post elsewhere when you say :-  "can hear a faint click under the fusebox in the engine compartment when turning the key to starting position" 
This sounds to me like the relay.

Where are you testing and not finding a 12v feed?