MG Engine Head Removed

Success! The head came off with the aid of my experienced MGOC friend, Dan, and his wonderful tools. Unfortunately we ultimately had to result to the crowbar approach. Here's how it went:

Using his stud pullers, with a foot long wrachet, we managed to extract all but one of the remaining studs. The stubborn one was that infernal middle stud on the distributor side. The head still wouldn't move, even after some solid whacks for a serious lead hammer. I do think the hammer loosened it though.

Finally, we used a two foot long pry bar placed between the underside of the thermostat housing and top of the water pump. After some serious effort, the head finally broke loose. It took about an hour thereafter to whack, pry, and shimmy the head free of the block and remaining stud.

Once the head was out, it was clear that this was long overdue. The exhaust valve seats are severely recessed. So the head is now at the shop. I hope magnafluxing reveals that the head is crack free.