Cylinder head

Remember needs to be 12 point. 10mm socket

Thanks for that, I was presuming the gear I have would do the job but would not want to get into it only to find sockets too thick!

Just a silly thing but:-

should the head bolts be loosened gradually in sequence as well?

sorry if this seems a stupid question, I guess it dose not matter if its going to be skimmed anyway, but I am only a junior mechanic!

I am a head gasket virgin! be gentle with me!

There is a correct sequence to slackening also

It means stripping the rockers out of the head to be able to get at the valve springs. You then need to compress each spring to remove the collets to remove the valves. Quite involved but as long as you take your time and layout where everything came from so that you put them back where they came from you should be ok. The valves might need lapping in to ensure a good tight seating too. If you are going to get the head skimmed they might expect the head to be naked anyway! I have my head off at the moment and will be doing mine soon. I have never done one of these engines before but most of the "old fashioned" engines are normally the same. Of course the tappet clearances will need to be done. You can do them with the head off as a starter and then when the engine has the head back on and the timing belt is fitted you can re check them.