Thought I'd post in here as nor relevant to l200s....

Am helping a mate out doing a head gasket on a ford ka.
Got the head off today and as expected everything is full of sludgy mess.
What the best thing to do from here in terms of cleaning it up before reassembly?
I ran a steel rule across the head and was t entirely happy so told him to take the head for a skim and pressure test.
Also anyone have advice on retentioning the timing chain?

Cheers

Cable ties to hold the timing chain in place for now fella, leave the chain on top pulley and cable tie it to that too.

As for cleaning the mess, jetwash the head with a pressure washer and clean it up with rags to make it nice and clean. Abit brake cleaner/petrol will clean up other parts nicely too.

I always thought the Ka engine was an over head valve. The valves should be operated by push rods ????????? so no need to piss about with the chain or timing.

have cable tied the chain up. Painted a mark on the chain and the pulley just now. Have heard that the head is not cracked but was warped so getting a skim. Was gonna do the waterpump, thermostat and give the rad a flush. Would it be wise to do an engine flush too?
Is a duratec engine rather than the endura from older models

Duratec, Its been a while since I worked on one

Engine flush deffo - fill with cheap oil & engine flush, run, drain, change filter & refill with premium oil

Agreed with Tam, or just leave the oil thats in now and get it redhot and drain straight after turning engine off,