Easiest way to remove oil pump?

[CavRacer]

2000 Z24

I have already removed the oil pan, oil pump chain cover and tensioner as well as all the bolts that should be holding the pump cover plate yet I can't seem to get it to seperate so I can remove the sprocket (all that's holding the pump from coming out.)

Any advice would be appreciated.

[jakegday]

not sure if this will help you but it might help someone who searches for this topic in the future, the haynes manual for your car/engine gives only 4 steps for removing the oil pump and they are as follows:
1. remove oil pan (it says to see section 12, which lists a 14 step procedure for removing the oil pan) if you want that let me know
2. remove the balance shaft chain cover and tensioner (again, it says to see a different section, so if you want that typed out, let me know)
3. remove the oil pump mounting bolts and separate the oil pump from the balance shaft assembly
4. remove the oil pump cover and the gears from the oil pump housing

[CavRacer]

Yeah I have the Chilton's Manual and am still stuck on #3 of your list. It doesn't give enough detail.

Maybe it's cause I spent 4 hours ripping everything else out of the way in 0 degree celsius temperatures with no heated workspace. I've never removed an oil pump before so I don't know what the balance shaft is.