Ok, v-8 disassembly, NP, yank the intake, heads valley pan, spin it, pull the oil pan and go to town ...this thing ....
Got it stripped down and all the covers loosened. The crank is moving with the main cover
and I only get about 1/8 inch gap before something is holding it up. I removed the first outer cover exposing the water pump impeller, pin in recessed slot--no way to get that off.
I've checked down every bolt hole to make sure there's no hidden fasteners of any sort. butchered the front seal thinking that might be holding it up ... Only other things i see are two plugs. (shown below) to me they look like plugs to seal the oil and water passages.
What am i missing that's holding this main cover on? I don't want to pry on it any more than I have, (ive been gentle) I know it'll snap something
I'm hoping that the crank/rods don't have to be in any particular position, as this thing is locked up tight (spun mains or rods)