I have a 1999 MK1 Punto Sporting 16 valve, the cam belt has snapped and I am assuming has lunched some valves. How easy is it to take the head off? I am assuming the head extension comes off first but Haynes says I need a special tool (strips of metal) to hold the cam buckets in place, do I need this? Will I have lunched the pistons or cams? Should I leave the inlet/exhaust manifold in place when the head comes off? Any advice would be really appreciated.
The car is in very good condition and well maintained believe it or not; any offers for it in the Deal Kent area?
thanks, chris

Do it as per the Haynes or the followers will fall out. If it's easier for you -- and you can do it -- leave the manifolds in place, but they'll have to come off when/if the head is skimmed and you'll get new gaskets with the head gasket set.

Thanks fingers 99, where would I get such strips to hold in followers, is it really bad news if they fall out or does it mean the head will get stuck
chris

You'll get the order muddled up. And/or never find the buggers again.

Any engineer's shop should have something. B&Q sell sheet steel and aluminium in pretty small sizes, albeit at an absurdly high price, a steel stockholder might cut down a sheet on their guillotene (spelling?) or eBay.

Thanks fingers I see what you mean about the followers they would need to go back where they came from, Ill have a go at making some strips as per Haynes, hopefully no more than a few bent valves!