Drivebelt tensioner spring vs timing chain cover on V6

I need to remove my timing chain cover and I undid all the bolts and the two nuts in the bottom and it feels like there is no more fasteners holding it in place (completely loose). However, it seems like the drivebelt tensioner spring (the mechanism behind the tensioner) is blocking its removal. At first it seemed like I could just wiggle it out by sliding to the side and taking out but no.

Is this tensioner spring removal necessary in order for the timing chain cover to come out? I tried removing it by taking out the two large (12 mm) screws that SEEM (meaning I'm uncertain) to hold the bracket that SEEMS to hold it to the engine block but it wouldn't come off.

 

Just to repeat for others, since you are already aware, those bolts which hold the belt tensioner to the block, are all on the side, and accessible once the compressor is out of the way.

Removing the pulley itself is unnecessary.

For future reference, the water pump does not need to come off when removing the timing cover, unless replacing the pump or gasket. Only the 12mm head bolts need to be removed.

 

Figured that out. And removed it.

But I did it before because it was in my way. I like clear working area and it was easy to remove.

I bought a complete OEM gasket replacement kit, which includes the water pump gasket so I might as well.