Thanks for the tips. My previous KE had just that problem with a stripped plug bore. Fortunately a friend of my dad got us onto a guy who specialises in helicoiling these. Back on the road in 10 minutes. Phew!
I do indeed let it idle down to below 1500rpm at least unless I'm pressed for time. I used to be retentive about warming up until someone told me this isn't the 70s anymore and you can glaze the bores idling up to 5 minutes like I used to.
BTW what did you think of the Corollas of that era with their 16 valve "o2 advantage" engines? They were certainly a refined unit, if lacking in low end grunt.


Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!