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As ever your advice seems good-double checked the cranks by marking on the axle with a end with a pen to see which crank was loose, and it was indeed the drive side Not the non drive side as I originally thought, despite how it felt. Tightened that cotter pin with a little sharp hammering and so far 20 odd miles riding with no issue. Will give the cotter another shap hammer today and hopefully it will all bed in and hold with no further loosening
jeff80
anidel
First, make sure it really is the left hand cotter that's loose - if the r. hand one is loose you will feel it through the left hand crank.
Whichever one it is, check that the spindle hasn't damaged the cotter pin - if it has, file the pin flat and try again. The pins are much softer than the spindle, so no need to worry about that being damaged.
When fitting the pins it's important to support the spindle and give the pin a sharp tap with a hammer. I like to put oil on the whole assembly, just to help the pin into position. Retighten the retaining nut.
Now check the cranks are at 180 degrees!
After your first ride, give the pins another little tap and retighten the retaining nuts - not too much force, remember they're quite soft.
I doubt if you will have any more trouble after this treatment.