Removing head

[HarryK]

Need some help here. What are your methods of removing the head from a Model A? I looked at some youtube videos where they wedge stuff between the timing cover and the water pump but that didn't work for me. The engine doesn't run so I can't use the engine's compression to pop it off. All head bolts have been removed as well as the distributer and water pump. I tried to shock it with heat and tapping it with a hammer with no success. After seeing pictures of broken heads and with the risk of damaging the mating surfaces I would rather not pry a screwdriver between them.

I know they make a tool for this but that would be a last resort.

Any help is appreciated.