[Forbear]

An update: Yes, I was dreaming.

I checked valve clearances and confirmed that the exhaust valves in cylinder 1 were not returning to their comfortable seats, so have now removed the head. This is not a job for the faint of heart, as anyone who has removed a Fiesta head will attest. The exhaust manifold is particularly difficult to access in such a confined working space. I appreciate the good fortune of having free access to a hoist. I can't imagine doing this job on the ground.

I bought the Haynes manual. It is as disappointing as every other Haynes manual I've seen. While blundering around on the 'net I found the correct Ford Workshop Manual PDF, all 1226 pages, with clear line drawings and instructions showing virtually everything I needed to know.

My previous mechanical experience has been with air-cooled VWs back in the day and currently a 50 year old BMW boxer motorbike so this is quite an adventure.

Anyway, the head is now with the machinist and the scrapes and bruises on my 75 year old hands and arms are healing, so all is good for now.

I note that my post has had over 240 views so far. Thanks for your interest.

Have a good one
Charlie