best way to remove valve seals? (Besides needle nose pliers)
And how can I clean my head to get all of that black **** out.

 

As for cleaning, when you take heads to a competent machine shop and cleaning is ordered, they will ask you if you just want the surface gunk removed (a 30 minute tank job) or if you want it REALLY clean (sand blasted before tanking). If you just want to remove as much of it as you can by yourself, get a can of Carb & Choke cleaner and a stiff plastic brush (or soft brass brush) and go to town.

For the valves and springs, I use the wire wheel on the bench grinder.

Mike