I pried it with a scraper and tapped it with a rubber mallet at the same time. It came off eventually. The gasket was glues to head real bad by heat over time.

I bought a leak down tester from HF for $29 as it was on sale. Now the fun starts but it will be next week as I had enough today. I am not very heavy duty on engines but I will give it a shot.

Thanks for everyone's help.

__________________
Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.