need to take out cams (dead easy)
but not the valves (leave them in the head)

number 4 has been rusty in the past yeah, and its been the hardest of the 4 plugs to remove. the ceramic bit was also badly discoloured.
i should manage to get the head off tonight, so we'll see.

the problem with skimming is that you need to take out the valves and cam shafts= pain in tits.

When mine went i'd got the head off and i could not get no 4 plug out and it hadnt been in there that long. In they end decided shit or bust and put airgun on it. Luckily came straight out without touching the threads!

Its usually number 4!

Why do you ask about cylinder 4 Ainsley?

Skim it
Was it leaking into number 4 cylinder.
Theres no advantage to be gained from not skimming it and while its already appart the cost of having it skimmed is negligible!

im thinking, i'll know if it needs skimmed when i take it off, just by looking at it.
the car has never overheated, just run overly hot a few times, its always had water in the header.

i'll keep you guys posted

best get it skimmed whilst its off, to be on the safe side, just think if you put it all back on and 2 days it has too come back off.

I didn't skim mine when the gasket went. Wasn't any need. Just get a steel ruler and a torch and see if the light shines through. Best to check, but if its not overheated and you can see simply how the gasket has failed then it should be ok.

Check though.

my cylinder head is coming off tomorrow (1.4 16v) to have a new gasket. its only been leaking water into the cylinder, and i havent let it run hot, altho its reached max on a few occasions for a few mins.is there any need to skim the head (obviously it needs to be checked) or will i get away without it?
ive heard vauxhall alloy c.h's dont usually need it, unlike peugeot/citroens etc?

its not a price issue, its just the hassle

any advice