Cheers Stu
Had quite a crack today at it.
I had soaked all the bolts on the engine yesterday so when taking them off today I didn't even need heat to undo them. Was very careful to begin with as you can feel the bolts move but nothing seemed to happen, so worked them back and forward gently then put more pressure on til I heard that metal ting / creaking noise, which is unnvering.
When taking out the push rods a couple were bent so they will be on the list, the lifters all looked fine and have been labled so I know what goes back in where.
Heads off with no broken studs, unfortunatley the putting a screwdriver between the head and barrels to hold them in place didn't work. all four barrels were stuck well on. After blasting them with the ol plug gas (ignore the wd40 there) I spent about 30 mins doing some percussive maintenance on the barrels til the popped off the heads. You can see what remains of the top rubber seals there.. they really were not gonna do anything but I was impressed the jugs were what seemed to be welded on with grime.
I wonder how long that's been in there.. Studs look pitted but when I get round to the cleaning I can get a good look at them.
Both heads have small cracks between the valves, I expected that but again after the cleanup I can assess them.
Now the elephant in the engine. 3 of the 4 pistons looked OK, apart from this bugger. The damage is right on the edge, I checked all the Barrels when I took them off the heads and they feel smooth. Yet to take the pistons out as I don't have the pliers to get the clips out. I can fab up a puller for the pins no doubt.
After that I took of the oil filter which was gave me more trouble than I thought it would, bleeder wouldn't budge.
Water pump off as well, Metal bladed one but it's a bit rusty. It does spin but feels like theres a bit of resistance when you turn it.
Left the distributor on for now. Not sure how I am gonna get the pulley off the front as thats the thing that's torqued to the moon. I will consult my bibles on that subject.
For those who noticed I'll probably be swapping the dipstick as well as that ones been moved and welded to the alternator bracket.