M104 Upper Timing Cover Pin Removal

[gillric]

I'm at the very last step of removing the upper timing cover on my 96' E320 motor (isolated an oil leak at the u-shaped seal) and have a question. I've removed a hex plug on the lower drivers side of the cover to reveal a threaded insert (chain tensioner pin?). Does this pin have to be removed in order to take off the timing cover? I'm not planning on pulling the head off and replaceing the gasket at this time. Any info on this would be appreciated.

[Kestas]

Removing Upper Front Cover... PIC

We could probably merge these two threads. I believe they're the same question.

[gillric]

Yes, these two posts are related. View the explanation in the post by CTJohnny. I