@tim , yes , we did indeed . He didn't think the phenolic gasket would do a lot , strange IMo , I thought they were a good idea.
I suppose what's annoying is that it hasn't happened before , in hotter conditions! Could the fuel be boiling lower than before? possibly due to some additives for emissions or E5 or whatever?
@Rob , I suggested the likes of CamCoat , but on the exh mani , to reduce the underbonnet temps . How much difference did you notice when you tried it first?
There's a powder coater locally that does a "chrome" effect PC , I was thinking that on the inlet mani might help reflect away heat .
Dad is thinking of a duct out to the grille , too.