Taking the heads off, what else should I do?

[Emit]

Sparkplug rusted into the block and after cracking out the porcelain inside I have failed using all of the breaker bars to get out what was left in to the point I even bent and snapped a remover in the block. That coupled with a snapped intake bolt and the exhaust studs look horrific... I'm going to bite the bullet and remove the heads for a professional to deal with all of this.

Question: if I'm taking the heads off what else should I get done? valve test (is that a thing?)? Should I put in a better/different cam? Anything I should replace?

[Bitsyncmaster]

I would pull the valves to at least look at them and the seats.

[David T]

I would pull the valves to at least look at them and the seats.

To pull the heads you either need the special tools to hold the timing chains or you will have to remove the timing cover. The procedure is in the Workshop Manual. A lot of work. Can you get someone to come to the car and fix the broken stuff? It would be a lot less work and probably cheaper. Unless the motor was overheated and the head gaskets are leaking there is no good reason to pull the heads.

[Emit]

Ok, valves I'll get them to have a look, thanks

It is a valid point about not pulling the heads, I like to avoid work where none is needed, however I'm already into the VOD (something was living in there, lots of nuts and bedding!), the engine is coming out of the car anyway for frame work, I've dropped a pile of shavings and porcelain into the cylinder from my removal "attempts", and I have the broken intake bolt; the numbers are stacking up in favor of pulling the heads. I don't think that the tool is a 100% requirement, and think I can make one myself from some angle metal if needed.

Getting someone competent out to have a look/do work isn't an option around here, i'll need to bring it to someone.

Reading through the forums jury is still out on gains from porting/polishing, but a faster cam may be worth it? (exhaust work aside)... open to input :)

[David T]

A "hotter" cam will only be effective if you also do exhaust work. Porting and polishing won't do much on a PRV, it is already much better than an American motor which can benefit from it. Sounds like you made up your mind about pulling the heads. Much easier with the motor out, you can get the timing cover off easy. Replace the seal for the crank pulley. Be careful not to drop the key into the motor. Turn the crank so the key is at 12 O' clock.

[jamesrguk]

And be very careful not to disturb the cylinder liners/sleeves, if they get lifted with the head, or moved when the head is off, then you're in for a heck of a lot more work!

James

[David T]

And be very careful not to disturb the cylinder liners/sleeves, if they get lifted with the head, or moved when the head is off, then you're in for a heck of a lot more work!

James

YES, Do NOT move the crank with the head(s) off unless you have the liner locks (more special tools) in place, you will unseat the liners and they will leak.

[Emit]

Thanks very much for the input everyone, it's much appreciated. If the pistons/liners move I'm in for a bad time... understood.

This whole taking the heads off endeavor was reinforced when last night I tried to extract a few broken bolts in the intake, one W pipe bolt and one air cleaner bolt, it took forever and I'm deeply unhappy with my work, so I'll leave the important (stuck) bolts to the professionals.