How many bolts do I have to get out of the oil pain to get the timing cover off.
Is there a trick to it? I got the first two on each side, but I'm not looking forward to pulling any more out.
Somebody give me some good news

 

If I remember, there are several on each side that have those stiffeners on them. All the side bolts on the stiffeners have to be loosened up in order for the pan to drop enough to get the cover off.

 

I loosened all of them, that's the only way to go IMO. You might warp the pan a little bit if you pry down the front part of the cover looseing only the front few bolts instead of loosening all of the bolts on the pan.

 

Yup, all of the bolts have that stiffener on them

-Shannon

 

I decided to jack up the engine and take the time to pull the pan and replace the pan gasket. I hate oil leaks. It was no fun getting the pan off, I had to lower the trans. cross member a little to gain enough clearance to remove the pan. I have had some guys tell me the front cover can be removed by removing all the pan bolts and lowering it. The risk is damaging the pan gasket pulling it away from the front cover and the getting a good seal when you re-assemble. You might be successful if you are very careful and take your time. My car's pan gasket had factory heavy duty RTV at all four corners and across the bottom of the front cover, pretty tough stuff....be careful not to tear the gasket.
I live in Minnesota, long cold winters, the car gets put away for several months, so I can take my time. Extra garage time is good therapy and keeps me out of the house! Good luck with your project.

 

After messing with it for a few minutes I ended up only removing the first two on each side. It came out really easy once I got it past the guide pins. Don't know how easy it will go back on though.
I dread the thought of taking more bolts out. all of my jack stands are in use. and Idon't feel like fumbling around with only a floor jack

 

I removed about half the bolts from front to back and loosened all the rest. It didn't seem all that hard. You can reach most with a long extension.