OM642 EGR clean

[such]

Let us know how you get on buddy

Will do - It looks like I have a coolant leak somewhere too

 

[such]

Alex Crow looked at the car yesterday and gave the EGR a good clean and refitted and tested - just about passed all tests with some very slight sticking. Recommended a change at some point with an MB part - currently unobtainable on backorder since last year.
However, the car is running better than ever, gearchanges smooth with no funny noises/clunking as previously.
I can only conclude the EGR must have been playing up for some time which caused a gradual loss in performance which also affected the gearchanges.
I was going to get the ATF changed, but will hang on now until its due in another 35k.
I'll keep my fingers crossed it keeps going for another 100k.