I imagine doing the AC system was a bit harder than pulling the head.....

I did not hesitate to R&R the evaporator. But the evaporator is not nearly as heavy as the cylinder head. I would be a bit reluctant to R&R the head, but I would tackle it if I were confident I could lift it out.

__________________
2012 E350
2006 Callaway SC560

The head is mechanically more complicated than the evaporator and ou need more tools. The head is heavy but, two people can remove it with no much problems. The new head bolts are different than the originals...be careful! If you have time, this is a good time to powder coat your head cover and paint/cover your factory headers. You should have somebody who does this locally...
Good luck!

__________________
J.H.
'86 300E

Andy, buy the MB sealant for the timing chain cover ... it's expensive (around $18 as I recall), but seals very well ... the tube works like a caulking gun.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

Thanks everyone. Very much appreciated.

__________________
Andy_M
'98 W140 S320 Black/Black
'06 W164 ML500 AMG White/Grey
'03 Porsche 986 Midnight Blue/Grey