Quick update, planned on removing head today and packaging up ready to send to head shop. First job was to remove the battery tray as it is full of corrosion from the old battery that was installed, anyway, found that the battery leak must have been quite bad as the acid has obviously run through the drain holes on the battery tray and eaten through the protective sleeving on the loom below. I cant see any damage to the actual wires insulation so hopefully just a clean up and re-tape to protect it.
Then after spraying the manifold to head bolts with penetrating fluid every day for about 2 weeks, these came off easily. Unfortunately the manifold to cat convertor bolts did not fair so well so I left them intact and, whilst supporting the whole exhaust on two jacks, removed the exhaust rubbers and moved the whole lot forward to clear the manifold from the studs. No other dilemas really, just followed the service manual instructions. It took about 3 hours to get to the stage to lift the head off (would have taken longer from scratch but I already had the cam belt cover off and wheel arch liner out). So now I find that I cant lift this thing off (way too heavy) so am waiting till the new year when I can get hold of a block and tackle.
Has anyone got any handy hints for spliting the head from the block? I was planning on putting a block and tackle on it and putting a bit of tension on the chain and then hit the head with a rubber mallet, applying more force on the chain till it pops off.
Regards and al the best for 2009 to you all.
Chris