3.9 Front Cover Removal

[ROVERT]

I need to replace my front cover gasket and I'm having problems removing the front cover. Everything is removed from the front cover, dizzy is out, crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer all removed. I have a little bit of movement. I get a mm or so separation from the block. The bottom left corner (opposite oil filter) seems to be the tightest area. Is there something I'm missing?

Thanks

 

[pdxrovermech]

did you unscrew the studs that stick through the oil pan?

 

[ROVERT]

The oil pan is dropped. The studs are still in the front cover. That doesn't make a difference, does it?

 

[pdxrovermech]

nope. the oil pump gear is probably just in a bind on the crank shaft then. tapped it back on and keep working it off evenly. it will eventually come.

 

[ROVERT]

Thanks. I got it off. I tapped it with the wooden handle of a hammer while working it off. It took some effort but off it is. Thanks again.