Thanks Dragsix for the pointers to get those pesky cover bolt heads out where they can be accessed easily. It is a small easy project before it goes back together...if and when.
I'm trying to think of when it could of jumped time, when I did the balancer sleeve I didn't remove the gear. It certainly is perplexing...but what you suggest is an easy way to eliminate that possibility and I will definitely give it a try and no I used a 2lb hammer lol. If that doesn't work I guess the next step would be to remove the head to get a gander at the cylinders and valves.

Last edited by Jim J; 09/06/2019 3:17 PM.