Going to change the timing chain since I have the cover off and was wondering whatt is the procedurer for taking the crank gear off. Is a gear puller needed. I am replacing the chain and gears because the chain seems like there is an excessive amount of play. Motor has 123k and doing the front cover gasket so I am going to do this ONLY one time. Oil pump being replaced too. Thanks for ANY info on the gear removal Thanks.

 

It should just slide off. It is held captive by the chain, which is held to the cam gear, which is bolted to the cam.

 

Just as Jafir said, loosen the cam and slide the entire assembly from the engine. Make sure when putting back ON to line up the marks for timing correctly. Look for two marks on the gears (not key way on the crank). I seen people line up the key way with the marks on the cam sprocket which is wrong!
Also make sure to replace the gasket on the oil pickup pipe that bolts on the cover. Reusing the old one or braking it will cause low oil pressure that can lead to more problems.

Cheers!

 

oh believe me I did the lining up 1st thing. Also check the part #'s with the replacements. Why did they not use a chain tensioner on this motor? Must be at least 1 1/2 inch play in the chain. when lining up the pointers on the gears there is at least a one tooth difference when moving the chain. rotation wise it's right on but very sloppy when stopped.

 

There shouldn't be a lot of play in the chan once replaced. You will get a little but not 1-1/2 inches of play once replaced.