Little trouble getting timing cover off

[clss240]

well im changing my head gasket and timing chain. I'm haveing a little trouble getting the lower timing chain cover off its Pretty loose now but i cant seem to get it off. all the botls are out. I DO still ahve the oil pan on is this my problem? or is there something else i should try?

[x240xdrifter]

a few oil pan bolts do go into the lower timing chain cover, also, after removing some of the bolts, use a flat head screwdriver to gentl pry it off. I am not 100% sure, but you might have to take your oil pump out, cause the rod goes right through I believe

[clss240]

ya i got those oil pan bolts out. how do i get the oil pump out before taking off the timing cover? i'd have to take of the oil pan. hmmm.

[x240xdrifter]

nope, you certainly dont

http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=220814

this is a very detailed write up of the process, the SOHC has an external oil pump

[clss240]

thats a small detail i failed to mention. I have a dohc.

[clss240]

i bit the bullet and removed the oil pan. thank you for the help.