Whistle gone :-) Manifold crack blowing worse :-(

So, partially happy with that outcome. The whistle / whine has gone. For me that is proof positive that was the problem. Vacuum leak(s) enough to cause the noise, not enough to affect the running of the car. So one step forwards.

Upon re-assembly - focusing on seating the inlet manifold, the cracked piece of exhaust manifold is clearly NOT seated as well as it was before. So the blowing is now more noticable! I have traded one noise for another!! But dealing with known factors here.

Although I have a spare manifold, want to just muck about with this one for now. So will try some extreme high temp. weld putty for now.

Then go from there. Fully expecting head gasket to go, so not going to get too carried away yet!

Another lovely day, and by complete coincidence, choosing an odd route home than usual, just happened to drive past the other "local Somerset" going the other way.. Now THAT doesn't happen very often anymore!