Mike,

Thanks for your comments.

>I doubt that the stud is your stuck head problem.

I mentioned in my search of the archives that I didn't find anything to
match my problem, so I tend to agree with you.  But, that's what the
evidence points to.

If I pry at the top of the head (not the sealing surface), the head
moves just a little, but springs right back when the pressure is
released.  If I pry at the bottom of the head, I get no movement.  The
stud that does not wiggle is in the bottom row.  All of this seems
consistent with that stud being bonded to the head.

>On each cylinder there are "Ears" ...

I have no access.  The head is still in the same position as when it is
torqued down.

Thanks,
Mike