Chirruping/Chuffing Noise from the engine

[Brodster]

Hi all. I'm hoping someone can diagnose a problem with my Bongo. I have a 2002 2.5 Diesel which has been regularly serviced and well maintained since I've had it (I'm the 1st UK owner). A few months back the glow plug light came on and I lost power. I took it to the dealer I bought it from (Topsham Car Sales) and they diagnosed a faulty solenoid on the turbo. They fixed it up with ( I suspect ) an old solenoid off one of their scrap vans. Ever since it has had a strange chirruping/chuffing noise when in 2nd or 3rd gear and under demand, such as climbing a steep hill. The noise seems to be coming from engine directly to the left and below the gear selector. The performance is OK but not as good as it was. I took it back to the dealer and they helpfully told me that it was fine and not to worry about it. Strangely enough I DO worry about it especially as I am going to the South of France this summer.
Any ideas what it could be?

[wonkanoby]

front stud on exhaust manifold often goes im afraid

[Brodster]

It could be that, I'll check. Thanks.

[Brodster]

I am being a little useless. I cant find the front stud to check. My engine doesnt look quite the same as other pics I've seen showing the stud.
The other question I have is, I Have a lot of oil around my cylinder head, does that indicate i have a head gasket problem?

[helen&tony]

Hi
Probably a leaky cam-cover gasket, or the seals on the cam-cover bolts...nip the lot up a wee bit, but don't worry too much...Bongo engines tend to be dirty-ish
Cheers
Helen

[Brodster]

Thanks Helen. I'll give it a whirl.