replacing Crank Key

[basherbob]

Is it possible to replace the crank key w/o pulling the front cover? Can pry up the front of the key but the back doesn't seem to want to pull out, using needle nose to grab the key. should I pull harder? what about the slinger? anyone have any tips for replacing it?

 

[bison]

pull the cover.

 

[basherbob]

Thanks for the reply. Not the answer I was hoping for. Was hoping someone else had done it.
Oh well might as well replace the timing gear and covert to the new rubber seal cover.