does anyone know if you can remove the front cover of the motor without having to untorque the head? I just did a head gasket and front cover gasket swap, and my motor froze up on me. I think my timing chain may have slipped and I want to take the front cover off without disturbing the head.

 

Yes, it can be done.
-jeremy-

 

Yes, you just remove the front cover. The head will remain fine.
You will also need to remove the oil pan.

If the motor is seized and won't crank over with the starter, then the block is bad. If it just won't start and backfires a lot, then that could be a jumped timing chain.