is it OK to run let the drive in the front cover just run free?? If you have ran one like this for some time are you sure its still spinning? It look like if you didn't take it out it wouldn't be supported on the front by the water pump like it normally would and may cause it to deflect from the timing gears.

 

yes...otherwise you would have to pull the intake and knock it out..i dont have mine because i weas rebuilding when i installed it

 

Mine is just freespinning.

 

I was able to get the drive out with just the front cover off. Used a pry bar and it came right out. I didn't know if it would be a problem if left in. My bearing on the drive had some movemtent, you could grab it and wiggle it around. I was worried since the drive is no longer attached to the WP it might possibly wobble around and create a oil leak. Just took it out.