Just wanted to thank you for your information and help. I am doing the work myself, at least trying to. Have the intake and exhaust manifolds dropped off. along with all other peripherals on the head. Did find a problem with PCV valve and the small nipple on it leading to the back of the intake manifold. It was broken off, and line itself was so hard and brittle that it broke as soon as I tried to move it.
A couple of other things to order also. Having the head shaved down here locally for $25 dollars and a valve job would be about 60 dollars before parts, BUT SHOULD I DO THE VALVES GIVEN THE INCREASED COMPRESSION THAT WOULD CREATE ON THE OLD SEALS AND GASKETS???????? Already have the head set of gaskets/seals. And found that the exhaust gaskets were missing off of two exhaust ports!!! The intake manifold gasket was so brittle that is fell apart when I lifted it up!!
Now I have a question......... my friend (a "mechanic" removed the timing belt prematurely, however the top "camshaft" pulley was at TDC position already. Now, I need to get head off, and do not want to risk moving the crankshaft shaft with the belt off. thinking of cutting timing belt cover backing with single slit in order to remove head and camshaft in one move. Then using JB weld to reseal the cover back when I re-install it. Is this feasible?
Any advice that I need to know before I go anyfurther?? Please offer your sage advice once again... thanks.. David