1999 3rz timing cover removal assistance

Been working a few hours a day on my timing cover leak. So far I've removed all the accessories (Alt AC water pump etc) and dropped the oil pan today, removed the pickup tube as well as those 2 "hidden bolts" near the thermostat housing. Pretty sure I've gotten all the bolts and nuts. Removed the 2 bolts under the valve cover along with a pile of others on the timing cover.

Went to tap off the timing cover and its still on there like cement. Anyone on a 2.4 or 2.7 gone through this? I'm at a loss with how to pull the actual cover on seems like it has RTV the entire way around can't even get my putty knife in like with the oil pan gasket.

Tried to get a decent video I can get another one or more pictures
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i9Q9y9pXVqY

 

Remove those side bolts holding the tensioner on. @ the 16s mark.

Also the valve cover should be off as well, it provides more access and it should be off regardless.

Neither of those will change anything, you need to carefully break the seal and wiggle it off.

 

The tensioner is on the head I’m pretty sure, does it help removing it? Valve cover was just on since I was wrapping up for the night but yeah I’ve got it off.

I’m having a hard time finding leverage on the cover, I’ve got a new one so I’m not worried about beating this one up, just don’t want to cause any damage to the bottom end. Would some small pry bar action be useful here? Was also thinking of using a razor to try and slice into the RTV.

 

Your timing chain tensioner looks like this


It is bolted to the left hand side (if looking at the radiator) of the block, not the head at all.


If you're having trouble finding leverage to remove the cover don't be scared to give it a little prying action. I removed mine by smacking laterally against the front cover face with a deadblow hammer when it didn't wanna pop off.... it still doesn't leak




Make sure you buy new spark plug boot seals, those get often over looked and be an easy possible leak point in the future

 

I was trying to hit it from below but was worried about whacking the timing chain or sprocket and turning a bad job into a worse one. One area that looked pry bar worthy was the water inlet. Did your cover have RTV on the sides and top?

Raining today but tomorrow I'll be back out there to try it again. I recently replaced the valve cover gasket/plug seals so I'll probably reuse the plug seals ~6 months old but swap the valve cover since it was sitting on the ground.