Basically, my question is - to get to the gaskets, can the cylinder head be removed as a unit with all components still intact, instead of dismantling the valve components, valve oil seals, rocker shafts, lifters, camshaft?

 

Yes, the heads can be removed with out taking all that crap off..

 

Thanks greeny.

Last night when topping off the oil level, I noticed a small amount of milky substance on the inside of the oil filler cap. No milky substance on the dipstick though. We did have a bout of really cold weather lately, then it all melted yesterday - so don't know if it could be that or a head gasket dying (coolant going in oil) or who knows what.

Will do leakdown soon to check.

 

The milky crap inside the filler neck is normal for the vg, nothing is wrong with the engine.

If the stuff in there bugs you, just wipe as much as can out with a rag wrapped around your finger.

 

addendum to greeny's answer :the milky crap is condensation. AKA water.