oil pump drive gear

[rival]

Is it possible to remove the oil pan and get enough clearance to remove the oil pump cover and slide out the oil pump drive gear with the engine and front cover still installed on the vehicle? the nut came off the drive gear shaft and the sprocket slid off the flat surface, I have a feeling it rounded it off because now i can spin the shaft and the gear does not spin. car still runs and has oil pressure. I want to remove the shaft and replace the sprocket and gear, thanks.

 

[pauleyman]

You can take the whole front cover off and you probably should

 

[rival]

yeah that's what I was afraid of. was just hoping I could get away with dropping the oil pan and removing the internal cover to the oil pump and swap out the drive gear that way. but you are right, I should prolly take the entire front cover off again...