I pulled the head from my D8's pony to get it tested for a crack. no crack and i think the problem is the gasket, but the space is kind of tight getting the head back on with the main exhaust. I pulled the main right side exhaust and pushed the pony exhaust pipe as far towards the radiator as possible but it still is a little in the way. Are the studs in the top of the block pressed in or screwed in? if they were out of the way it would make things so much easier.  I tried removing one but I suspect they are pressed in. The parts catalog wasn't very clear.

Also what should I torque the head down to whenever I manage to get it back on? Thanks!

The studs are screwed in the head

torque pony head

Thanks for that info.  I will keep pushing rust penetrant and heat to see if I can break them loose then. I just didnt want to do too much if they were pressed in.