Dino Front cover dilemma

Experianced hands, is it possible to remove the front timing chain cover with the oil pump on the cover? It doesn't look possible to remove the pump because of no access to the nuts on the pump.

 

Well after no takers on this problem, we have found out that you may not remove the front timing cover on the 246 without removing the motor. This is counter to what someone else reported.
The problem is the oil pump. In order to remove it you must first separate the motor from the crankcase/transaxel first. The oil pump is attached to the cover and cannot be removed from the cover without separation from the crankcase. The problem is the oil pick-up (The non removable part) will not allow the front cover to move forward for removal.

 

syncro, thats a good one.

 

Mark, I had one chain that stretched beyond the capability of the tentioner. My screw up at overhaul, I should have replaced the chains. The previous owner replaced them so I trusted that they were o.k., then I found a woodruff (half moon) key that had shattered on the offending idler shaft. This all screwed up my cam and ignition timing. If I hadn't caught it in time I would have kissed the valves $$$$$. Most thing are for good reason.
I am replacing both chains ( Lyle Tanner Ent ) with the newer chains with a master link, these chains have much thicker links and are reported to stretch much less, at least they will offer peace of mind. The brand new SKF idler bearings from the loose side showed premature wear probably from excessive harmonics and are being replaced also.
Another item to pay close attention to is the two nuts that secure the idler shafts to the gear and sprocket combo, this must be torqued to spec. We had found that the loose side was not secured as I had suspected, probably leading to the key and bearing failure, this nut secures the gear and sprocket together as well as to the outside bearing. Every little item on this motor must recieve the ultimate scrutiny to make them last and our learning curve has been steep. Because of these problems I am also replacing the idler shafts and keys. I am hoping that should do it. I hope these little hints at my expense will help someone else from having to do it twice.

Gary