Help on timing chain replacement

[IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing]

So i have been working on replacing my timing chain for my 1983 720 z2.4. I am trying to get my timing cover off and i was just seeing if there is anyway to remove the cover without dropping the oil pan?

[datzenmike]

Yes, remove the front pan bolts and one or two down the side and loosen a couple more besides. The pan is now able to slip down enough for the timing cover to slip forward and off without damaging the gasket. Perhaps a dull kitchen knife to pry it loose? Don't forget the bolt on the bottom passenger side of the cover hidden behind the oil pump.

[IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing]

but wouldn't that risk bending the oil pan?

[captain720]

You just have to be careful. I have done it in trucks with the head and oil pan on. Remember the oil pan gasket is rubber and cork so the putty knife will likely be pushing gasket out of the way, just dont pry down on the oil pan they can bend. 

 

 

I have a video on you tube that may help you although that one is done with the oil pan off.

 

 

 

Also you will probably have to do the oil pan gasket cut and splice to replace the section under the timing cover.

[IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing]

Thanks for the responses I really appreciate the help. 

[IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing]

i have to oil pan loose and the gasket seal is broken but now the timing cover still wont budge, however there is what looks like a set pin behind the oil pump right above one of the 10mm bolts, is this standerd or could this possibly be a broken bolt that is stopping me?

[Lockleaf]

Oil pump has to come off first.  There is a bolt hidden behind the body of it that holds the timing cover on.

Edited February 14, 2020 by Lockleaf

[IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing]

i have the oil pump off and the bolt that is hidden behind it but there is another hole right above that bolt that looks like a set pin but i dont know quite what it is 

 

here is a picture https://imgur.com/a/vBD7El2

[captain720]

Timing cover always requires a hammer tap, google timing cover photo and look at all the bolt holes in the online photo then match up those with the bolts you have taken out

[IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing]

I know it requires a hammer i just cant get an angle on it, this sucks 

 

I think i am just going to have to pull the engine 

[IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing]

Ok i finally got the timing cover off now we just have to see if the rest goes well 

[datzenmike]

The pin is an alignment dowel. There is a second one on the other side higher up. Water ump has to be off also... there is a bolt at goes through the pump and into the block

[IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing]

yeah i already had all the stuff off. It was just stubborn and it was just hard to get an angle on it to tap the cover off but i finally managed it

[captain720]

3 hours ago, IHaveNoIdeaWhatIAmDoing said:

yeah i already had all the stuff off. It was just stubborn and it was just hard to get an angle on it to tap the cover off but i finally managed it

way to go!