Thanks all, for sharing your experiences. This helps me to choose an approach. I will give an update in a while when there is progress. I have a garage appointment in several weeks. Busy times there.
The DPF is already replaced and hopefully not damaged yet. Also work done on injectors.
I don't have the space and tools to do a replacement myself.
The new engine comes supplied with injectors and glow plugs. Please note that the injectors have not been torqued to specification.
The engine is not fully timed or locked, although it is very close and may only require slight adjustment to align correctly. It is advisable to loosen the injectors before turning the engine—this allows it to rotate freely without fighting compression. More importantly, if anything has been assembled incorrectly and resistance is encountered, you can stop immediately, as this could indicate piston-to-valve contact.
It would also be wise to replace the coolant flange, as these are known to leak, along with the thermostat.
For maintenance, I carried out an oil and filter change at 1,000 miles (run-in) and then every 5,000 miles thereafter.
During the run-in period, avoid constant motorway speeds and keep engine speed below 3,000 rpm.
The engine currently has zero oil consumption, runs smoothly, and is very quiet.
If you choose to go down the EGR delete route, you can expect a more reliable and happy powerplant for years to come
Best of luck and keep us posted