Sonofa...!!!

[Dark Jedi]

Rather than chance nicking something and adding a tiny metal fragment to the cylinder, I'd be tempted to just run the engine and let the dowel burn.

I believe the dowel is thicker than the compression chamber. Thus, I would be removing the head the hard way, by blowing it off.

[Dark Jedi]

Ick. Failed on all points. Noticed my pistons are pretty carbonized while fishing, so I'm gonna go ahead and pull the head off. Might as well inspect and clean everything while I'm down. :?

[dwarf8]

Those devicees with the little fingers that come out are called "Pickle Grabbers" and can be found in any super market. About a buck and a great investment.