Does anyone have any tips on removing this valve cover. As you can see from the picture, I think it is the water pump is just barely in the way. Do I need to just keep wiggling or what???!!! Why is the always something!!!!

That'* the alternator and tensioner bracket. It has to be removed in order to remove the rear valve cover. It is held in by 3 bolts, and the coolant elbow that runs from that bracket to the lower intake manifold will likely break when you take it off. Even if it doesn't it would be a good idea to replace that elbow, as well as the one that goes between that assembly and the water pump. They're available at many parts stores on the Dorman "Help" cards.

Yep. To remove my cover a couple weeks ago I just removed three bolts and gently pulled it out about 1/2". I remember wedging a stick or something in there to hold the gap open while I removed the cover.

Dorman "Help" PN 47065 They come in a pack with both elbows and the O-Rings.

I ended up having to special order them, nobody had them in stock, but I ordered a few sets since they are inexpensive enough to have extras.

Suggestion: while you have the Alternator bracket off, take a 10ga bore brush (Phosphor-Bronze, not steel) chuck it in an electric drill, and clean out the openings on the housing and manifold where the elbows plug in. The coolant tends to make a mess in the o-ring areas. A clean surface will give you a good seal on the first try.

And of course, if you haven't dumped the DexCool yet, now is the time to do so.