3rz Broken Timing Chain Vibration Damper/Guide

So I have another thread on here regarding my head removal (which I accomplished) but made a boo-boo (originally thought it was minor, now thinking it's major) and wanted to get more info/advice.

In attempting to remove the head without completely removing the exhaust manifold, I broke the plastic timing chain No. 1 vibration damper/guide. Pictures below. Replacing the damper would be ideal, but I'm wondering if I have any other options before having to tear into removing the timing cover?

If I must remove the timing cover, would all steps in the FSM be required (ie removing front diff & shafts, oil pan, etc).

Thanks much!

 

How is the guide held on? Any chance of fitting a wrench down to reach the nuts/bolts?

I'm pretty sure you can remove the timing chain cover without remove both the head and oil pan like the repair manual says to do. Search for other threads about timing chain replacement. I recall someone saying they did it without removing everything.

 

I believe its held on by a few bolts inaccessible from the top.

I'll do a more thorough thread search regarding timing chain cover removal - some preliminary searching didn't turn up much.

Thanks again DrZ!

 

I had the same issue when I was taking my head off. Had a broken piece on the dampening rail just like your picture. What did you do to resolve the issue?

I replaced the timing chain, cover, water pump, oil pump, all new rails, sprockets, etc... about a year ago. I would really hate to go through everything to take apart all that again.