Idle went nuts.

Okay - engine is coming out. There is scoring in the piston walls. Also, the water pump, which was disconnected from the leaking heater core, was so gummed up with deposits that it leads me to believe there is more going on with this engine than I had thought. I want to take it apart and get everything right.

Does anyone have any advice for balanced lift points with the head removed? Also, do I need to support the transmission in any way?

Thanks.