blimey, only took me 5 weeks to get it all done... I was cought out by the little 13mm bolt that sits on (what I presume is) the thermostat housing. I've attached a pic in case anyone else can't find it. (thanks for all the advice so far, I would have given up on week one if it weren't for all you clever folk!).
With the head off I have found that;
The pistons are heavily coated with carbon type build up, and the rear piston (nearest driver) has a bit of movement - previous compression tests were all good despite a bit of piston slap.
the valves on one side are coated with carbon, the others with a light brown dry deposit (similar to spark plugs) - is this a normal look, or would it point to poor mix or other problems?
Would anyone know of a good product to use to clean these parts, and if the head bolts are stretch bolts, or can I clean and re-use?
With the head off I have found that;
The pistons are heavily coated with carbon type build up, and the rear piston (nearest driver) has a bit of movement - previous compression tests were all good despite a bit of piston slap.
the valves on one side are coated with carbon, the others with a light brown dry deposit (similar to spark plugs) - is this a normal look, or would it point to poor mix or other problems?
Would anyone know of a good product to use to clean these parts, and if the head bolts are stretch bolts, or can I clean and re-use?