you probably already have it off. but for future reference, I use a pry bar under the fitting for the water pump bypass hose, and use small block of wood on top of the flat top part of the timing cover to pry against. I suppose the same could be accomplished with a plastic wedge on the gasket area of the front "China wall". I have a small orange-colored wedge that I got from a STIHL chainsaw shop, which would do the trick.
