Need help before I break something

[Tparr]

I'm in the process of a mechanical restoration of an 83 gl1100. The engine is out and I am working on replacing the water pump. The transmission cover is off and sitting on the workbench. I have removed the three bolts holding the water pump cover and cannot get the cover to budge. I've tried wedging a screwdriver between it and the oil filter boss, tried an aluminum drift on the tab of the pump cover. It is not moving. Any suggestions.

See, the bolts are out

Aluminum drift

Screwdriver as wedge

[Rambozo]

Not to be Captain obvious, but isn't there one good sized bolt holding that on still?

Edit:
Ok I guess that is just a drain plug, but if you take it out you can use a longer bolt as a jack screw to help split that joint.

[Tparr]

Edit:
Ok I guess that is just a drain plug, but if you take it out you can use a longer bolt as a jack screw to help split that joint.

Good idea and I thought of that also but the hole does not go all the way through the casting.

[Tparr]

I got the cover off. After walking away in frustration and taking some time to breathe I was successful. I used a 3/4 inch oak dowel and a good size ball peen hammer to work all the way around the cover. The factory must have used super glue to fasten the gasket. I discovered there are two alignment dowels which prevented my efforts to wedge the cover sideways. I have seen admins tutorial but forgot about the pins. On to removing the old gasket.