Moving forward, I have a couple questions. I need to purchase a couple of tools to dissemble the head further.
I need a valve spring compressor. Which one should I get. don't need an expensive one since this will most likely be the only time it gets used.
another question: I plan to drag the heads outside and go to town with some de-greaser and the power washer to clean off as much of the sludge as I can along with the carbon. Can I safely do the same with the block leaving the lifters, crank, cam, and pistons installed. I plan to strip the block down further removing the IP, water pump, HB, timing cover, and oil pump prior to blasting it clean.
another tool I have been thinking about getting is a "super scraper" to clean off the head gasket surfaces. am I safe using that on those surfaces, I have been told not to use anything abrasive on those surfaces. also can I safely wire wheel the cylinder top edges where all the carbon buildup is with my drill.