It also looked like some sections of the exhaust had never been replaced! Great VW engineering but bad as it had just rusted itself on the engine.
No amount of sealant / tightening would stop it. So it was time for the new exhaust .... I was prepared for it not being be simple.
A short while in the workshop guy sat next to me and said "This isn't something you want to hear but every stud has snapped. It's not good."
The concerns about the bolts, exhaust and engine having become one was true. The only option, to do it properly, was engine out and re-drill all the studs etc on the bench. As it was impossible to drill out old studs and replace in situ.
I was terrified about the labour hours ... but half an hour or so later engine out and drilling sounds.
Hugo looked sad with his heart ripped out but it was for his own good.
I decided on a new clutch at the same time so it meant we got a lot for our money (if you had to have the engine out in the first place).
8 hours or so later all done.... and Hugo was purring again rather than pretending sounding like a vicious dog trying to scare all the local cats as we drive down the road.