No need to remove the cowl for a head-gasket change, unplug the spark plug lead, the hose from the decompression valve, undo the 4 bolts holding the head on and it will come off.
True but i would remove the cowl. Check the O-ring under the starter and check in the bore, unless you are sure that its %100 good.
Id also undo the decompression valve before removing the head. No gasket gunk will get in it when you are cleaning up. If the head is no good its hard to hold the head and undo the valve without it being on the motor.
