Timing chain cover removal!

I'm in process of replacing timing chain gasket set but having a challenge getting cover unseating from engine face. I had coolant leak, couldn't figure the source. Thought it may have been 9 year old pump, didn't see any place around weep hole or anywhere around pump. Anyway, decided to replace everything.

I would like to remove cover w/o damaging/destroying if possible. Any ideas to assist in this project -- would like get car back on road soon.

 

Did you remove the bolts on the bottom that go thru the oil pan? There are also short bolts below the water pump on the front also. If all bolts are removed it may be being held with silicone. A few whacks with a rubber mallet usually gets them loose

 

Everett:
As mentioned by member earlier, 4 bolts that secure the bottom of cover, 2 are 1/4" (use 7/16" socket) and 2 are 5/16"(use 1/2" socket), I also use a putty knife between the cover/block to help separate the cover, good luck!
David

 

Thanks guys for suggestions! I have the bolts under oil pan out. Only bolt I don't have out is fuel pump bolt near oil sender. I figured I might be able to remove that bolt after getting cover away from block. At that point I would remove fuel lines along w/ pump. I been whacking it w/ rubber mallet -- believe I will be able to get movement to get putty knife and paint scraper in place w/ aid of pry bar. Going to get it off, even if I have to buy replacement.

 

Did you already get the water pump off? Some of the pump bolts go all the way though the cover to the block.

 

No, going to get the rear bolt out b4 doing anything else. Maybe my problem! Just being lazy trying to get around ps pump/ ac comp. mount bracket getting back on ground.
Thanks for the heads-up Jason! Knew I would get set on the right track from the folks on this forum...

 

I believe there are three bolts on each side that extend from water pump, through cover into the block(Nope only the two outermost). They trangulate around coolant openings that feed from pump into block.

 

Finally got timing cover off. Have to admit I had one bolt in lower drivers side still in place. Feel kind of silly as I thought I had all fasteners out. I had been banging on it w/ rubber hammer probably 4ff5 minutes off/on two different occassions; Cover would rock to the left side, at that point knew something was holding it -- fell right off. Had to remove more stuff than I wanted to get it off. I don't think that was cause of leak. I'm guessing, was probably rear plate off water pump not having sealant around it's gasket -- anyway, just a guess.

I have question on the parts kit I have. I have a part I don't know what it's purpose be.
Metal ring next to seal -- Any help?

 

Sleeve, can be pressed over seal surface of balancer. Gives new seal a fresh surface to operate on.

To install, clean & lube original surface, line up sleeve as straight as possible. Give light tap with block of wood. Turn balancer over, push doward on large end till it slides into sleeve.

 

dang Everett, 2-3 more bolts and you could have pulled the engine out...LOL

 

Yea, I didn't want to take this much stuff off but w/ the Saginaw pump/Borgenson bracket couldn't get rear fuel pump bolt out. I got to get it all back together soon as possible while memory fresh on where things go. I do have some bolts label w/ masking tape and left bolts in old water pump and will transfer to replacement one-by-one. Getting hot here now and getting early starts 5:30 or so and work a few hours, not normally an early riser.

 

Thanks Tom! Do you think the sleeve is necessary?

 

If balancer seal surface is in good cond, not necessary...

 

also suggest to use sealer on the pump bolts that go into the water jacket. anticize on the other ones.

 

Thanks for the advice! I plan on doing just that -- only want to do this once.