I am doing a timing belt (and anything associated) job on my Maxima 94 and I have couple of questions. So, if you have done this job would you please advice:

1. Do I need to disconnect engine from its supports on the right side, so I can lift it a little bit and give more room to work? Or the job can be done through that constricted space without disconnecting the engine.
2. Do I need to have a special tool to remove the crankshaft pulley or it can be removed without it.
3 When I removed 4 bolts holding the thermostat cover it did not come out. How aggressive should I be to try to remove it. Are there any special methods to do it?

I would really appreciate your advices. Thanks.

 

1. There is enough room to do it without moving the engine.
2. It depends on how well its on there. Some will fall off when you remove the nut, other will need some coaxing.
3. If a liquid gasket was used, it may require a hard tug or prying the two peices apart (BECAREFUL not to scratch either metal surface)

Get a Chiltons manual at the least (FSM would be ideal), this is a complicated 8 hour job minimum and you can easily destroy your engine, $20 is pretty cheap insurance.