i am in the process of removing my engine's head so that i can replace the gasket. i followed the steps according to the service manual, but am unsure if i am forgetting anything. i have the exhaust pipe hanging, removed the timing belt and cam gear, have the electrical connectors and throttle linkage and vacuum lines off of the intake, removed the steering pump, and have the head bolts removed... i can't get hte head to budge. i usually tap on them with a rubber or plastic mallet to release the gasket, but i have never done a car with an aluminum head and wanted to make sure that there is nothing else holding the head to the block that i would break if i didn't pull it off, and i wanted to see if there was a more civilized way to break the gasket loose without tapping and potentially hurting the aluminum. any advice? thanks

 

unbolt teh rocker arm assembly

 

The Haynes manual suggests a block of wood against the head and tap with a hammer.

 

If you have a SOHC, you have to remove the intake manifold as well.