Im no mechanic , mate, but could that explain, or have anything to do with, the cars slight reluctance to go into 2nd gear?
Btw if any of these things turn out to be serious, im gonna be extremely pi**ed at the AA, who check the car "from top to bottom" 3 weeks ago
No, difficult 2nd gear selection from cold is a characteristic of the early transmissions I am afraid.
A fluid change with some DC Moly should help
Alex.