'92 240sx convertible - Timing chain questions.

[09quickly]

***I also posted this in the KA engines forum. Pictures did not post, I will try again tonite.

I have been slowly pulling apart my KA24DE, 165,000 + miles, among many other things, it had the rattle at the front of the engine. I think the head has been worked on before, the cams seem to show very little wear. Also, the valve cover gasket (rubber) stayed intact when I pulled the cover. I found what I hope is part of the top chain guide, jammed down in between the iron of the head and the valves for cylinder #1. The other part was resting on the gears for the distributor, and would not come out until I pulled the distributor. Hopefully, that was the source of the rattlle. It has a serious oil leak up front, and has apparently been blowing back on the engine for quite some time. Alot of grease and goo. 3 main questions, with many side questions also.

1 - I set the #1 cylinder at TDC on the compression stroke (both valves closed) and pulled the distributor. Not too bad. In loosening the crank bolt, I noticed alot of play in the top chain gears, even though I put a scewdriver through the gear into the valve tray to hold everything in place. Still movement on the lower crank (1" - 2") before everything grabbed and I was able to loosen the crank bolt. Is that much movement something to be concerned about? I hope it didn't mess with distributor placement.

2 - water hose that feeds from port on timing cover (right side) toward back of engine. Is there an easy way to access the hose clamp to loosen it for removal?? That thing is a bi__h! Cover will not break loose from the block, I am hoping that is it.

3 - In one of the posted pictures, I am pointing at another component that bolts to the timing chain cover, also on the right-hand side of the engine (left when I am working on it) . Unfortunately, it is covered with oil, but, what is it? It also has what appears to be a water hose leading to the rear of the engine.

Any suggestions, advice, give a shout. I am done for the weekend, hope to work on it again next weekend.