Started on the head gasket job....

[kotkinjs1]

So I've finally started my head gasket job and along with it the timing belts and valve adjustment. Removed the valve/cam assembly and then the head. Took off the pulley from the cam. Question about that later....

The gasket I supposed was blown looked in decent enough shape (says the guy who's never done a head gasket job in his life before). There was some coolant puddled in the #3 cylinder when I popped the head off though but all this started with a problem in #1 when it started up (stayed cool on startup for a long time compared to the others).

The other symptoms included bubbling in the coolant when looking down the rad neck, oil floating on top in the coolant reservoir, it failed a combustion gas test in the coolant (as far as I understand can only happen when a head gasket leaks). Some white smoke but not billowing, mostly after hard throttle. And that slow tonwarm #1 header.

I noticed upon disassembly that the o-rings on the oil orifice were completely broken and brittle. Nothing else jumped out at me.

So on reassembly after the head surfaces are cleaned and new gaskets and o-rings are in, when I reinstall the cam into it's place then put the valve assembly on top of it and the pulley back on the cam, do I just put it on so it sits in the right position (UP and TDC marks) then bolt it back up? The engine is obviously still in TDC.

Old gasket...

[winguyjo]

yes.
the right side cam sprocket will want to move out of position so you have to find a way to hold it steady while you put the belt on.

[LAB3]

I'd say those head gaskets are toast. The top one has plenty of area that looks like crepe paper ad the one on the bottom shows coolant getting through. Looks like you're on the right track, be sure to swap out those valve seals while the head is off, cheap and easy insurance!