Hi Ken, I build a lifting device like you mentioned. Works fine. Frankly, the only thing that is holding up removing the head is the bolt holding the bottom of the plastic guide. The head is high enough for a clear view and what I see is nothing but a hole--no thread that would indicate a bolt to be pulled. You and anyone else must have come to that point removing the bolt otherwise there is no way separating the head from the engine unless one is prepared splitting the chain? Perhaps you or anyone else reading the post has an answer. As always I appreciate all advice big or small. Cheers, Hein