That'* brilliant thanks, i may not get chance to do anything for a day or two with work commitments, and if ya get any other ideas in the meantime
Thanks Guys

Just a quicky to say i hve been ill for the last few days so still no chance of pulling codes etc, i am hoping to do that tomorrow evening so watch this space

Hope you feel better soon and not to worry, we see all the new posts quickly around here.
Also look forward to hear if you have any stored codes present.

Hi Guys i went to the vehicle today, bearing in mind that this was the second time that i had attempted to get it started, the first time i started it the battery wasn't great and i used a booster, the other day i bought a new battery for it to eliminate one problem, im sure when i was trying and trying to start it before it just flooded somehow?? and that is why i had all the symptoms listed before
Right this time i decided after putting the battery on to have another go to start it, it fired straight up and sounded awesome. ticked over correctly, would go into gears without stalling all sounded promising. (engine fans were on constant)

After a couple of minutes i could hear it starting to run lumpy and fuel smell got stronger, until it stalled then wouldn't start again only with foot to the floor and all same symptoms as before.

So i think when i leave it till tomorrow it may start normally again?

Codes have been checked and service engine soon light flashes one long to short 12(normal) over and over again.

i have to lights when it was running check guages and service engine soon, but fans were also constant on.

can you point me to this vacuum pipe i need to check as i cant find it a photo or something?

Any help appreciated thanks again!

if the fans on all the time and running rich, probably the ect is failed.

Where is the fuel smell coming from under the hood? If so= Check for fuel around injectors &..
The vacuum line to the fuel pressure regulator can be checked while its running. Remove the hose from it (plug hose while it'* off with your finger or a screw) and see if gas eventually dribbles out from the FPR...can take a few minutes before gas my leak out..
If gas does leak out you need a new FPR.

Thanks for replies, after doing some research am i right in thinking the fuel regulator is under the top intake cover on this engine, is it the same process if i can get to it?
also would ect failing cause so much hastle and cause the vehicle to cut out and not restart?

The 3.1L is a bit different than the 3.8L, the fuel injection regulator is right where the fuel inlet/outlet lines are, if you can locate that remove the vacuum hose from it, and wait a minute or two to see if any fuel starts coming from the hard line on the regulator.
The line I am talking about is the one on the top in this pic, that should be where the vac line is attached.

Ok gonna give this ago over next couple of days, anything else worth trying as well at the same time??

Watch your vacuum lines while in repair. A very good possibility they will break while removing the intake. Watch your pcv valve hose, its directly under the intake.