Tips on prying off timing cover 4.0

ive got all the accessories except the water pump,oil filter housing bolts and and the bottom 4 oil pan bolts. The timing cover is stuck real good. Any tricks on getting pulling the cover off? Thanks!

 

I think some oil filter housing and water pump bolts go all the way thru to the block. And remove the bottom 4 oil pan bolts.

 

Putty knife.

 

Do any of you who have done a timing chain/head gaskets on this engine know if they come with paint marks from the factory? The chain and head bolts had little paint marks on them when I opened the engine up. I have been getting P0301, cold start misfire and losing coolant. I’ve inspected the timing chain and is within spec but the VVT-I and exhaust sprockets are worn and no longer in spec and the crank and idler sprockets are barely within spec by .1mm. I’m guessing the previous owner had his chain done and did not replace the sprockets. I’m losing coolant and am wondering whether to continue with pulling the heads or getting a used engine, but I can’t find any engines with less than 100k miles and am not sure if reman engines are a good option.