timing cover reseal w/out removing balancer

[68ford]

So I recently bought a race truck with a pissed off 408 that I believe got built without the dowel sleeves installed for the timing cover. When my buddy put the motor in this thing before I bought it, he had to "shift" the front motor plate which is between the timing cover and water pump to get it to line up. It appears to have shifted the cover and I can see gasket pushed out where the cover meets the block. My issue it the bulkhead part of the chassis where the rack for the steering mounts, looks like it keeps me from removing the balancer without lifting the engine. To move the engine I have to remove the trans due to rear engine plate mating the turbo 400 to the Windsor block and the headers which go over the engine in the rear. My question is, you think I can slide the cover towards the balancer enough to insert a new gasket?

 

[tirewater]

Is it leaking now?

How would you clean the gasket surface?

 

[68ford]

It's leaking oil externally on drive side and coolant on passenger side. Only a little. Thought I could sneaknin there with a razor blade. Gasket has silicone on it so I think it will peel ok. I'll try and attach a photo. This has to be the tightest engine compartment ever made.

 

[68ford]

 

[68ford]

I uploaded 3 to my photo album so you can see what I'm up against haha it's the Truck with part of a Ford ranger cab.