'84 22R timing chain replacement

[coriolis]

Now with a question mark. 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

[iluvdrt]

no it shouldnt, its metal. just becarful putting it on that you dont crimp it, it will leak as i found out. you also dont have to take the oil pan off

[DeadlyPeace]

As long as you are careful when putting it back on not to crimp it you should be fine. Sometimes loosing the oil pan will help prevent this, but if you're planing on replacing the oil pan gasket for any reason then might as well pull it off and all the way out of the way.