'84 22R timing chain replacement

[coriolis]

Hello, there. I have a question for anyone who has done it the same way on my upcoming timing chain replacement on an '84 22R pickup. I plan on doing it with removing the oil pan but not the head. < Each article I've read says that if leaving the head on then to be careful not to damage the part of the head gasket that sticks out. My main question is about that part of the head gasket >. If my timing chain cover has never been off or even if it has, if I tap downward on the top part of the timing chain cover to seperate it from the head gasket before pulling it outwards, will it avoid damage to the head gasket? Or is the head gasket going to be broken apart by seperating it and all stuck to the top of the cover? I appreciate responses from anyone who has done it with leaving the head on. Thanks.

[racer85304]

hey just letting u know if u have not got a kit yet look on ebay for one.

[fourwd1]

I did 2 TCs recently without pulling the heads. The gasket wasn't a problem either time and I didn't take any special precautions. If it does get damaged just use some RTV on it.

Don't forget about the bolt that goes through the head into the top of the TC cover

[coriolis]

Thanks for the info...

[doubledog41015]

dont forget about the bolt that goes beside the water jacket bolts on the drivers side it goes the same way as the water jacket bolts but is hard to see