i am in the process of replacing my timing chain and i cannot get the timing cover to come off. I have a 87 runner 22re. i have all ten bolts out, including the one on the "back" of the cover. I am attempting to do this without removing the head so it still on there but the oil pan is out. i have removed the hidden bolt in the head hidden in the puddle of oil. the water pump is off. i have tried lightly prying it off and can see that the gaskets have all been compromised. for whatever reason it still wont come off.
What am i overlooking? I have tried hitting it with a hammer and even went and bought a bigger hammer to no luck. Is it possible that the head gasket is somehow still managing to hold the cover on there? i didnt think it would be strong enough
thanks
charlie

Did you get all the little bolts at the front? One or 2 of the oil pump bolts go right through (the one on the passenger side at the top). If the oil pan is off it should come off fairly easy. It sounds like you got everything.......

Maybe this will help:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ingChain.shtml

The second picture shows a timing cover with arrows pointing to the bolts that need to be removed.

Yeah, there are a couple bolts that run thru the oil pump, also the coolant return lines on the sides. There are 4 bolts intotal for those. Im guessing you still have your oil pan in?

thanks for the replies. There was a bolt in the oil pump that was holding it on. Took care of it and now its time for re-assembly.
thanks
charlie