Been chasing a thrust washer for the idler gear - all the usual suspects are NLA. Googled the part number and came up with all the leads that had proven dead ends. However there was a Japanese site and in desperation I opened it. Couldn't understand a word even BableFish got lost in the translation

but the picture was right and the part number attached to it.
Years ago we were host parents to a Japanese exchange student that we keep in contact with - I emailed her - she checked it out - The company doesn't send goods overseas

but I gave her my credit card details and it's on its way to her place

I'll get it in due course

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David L
My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!