Removing dry sump pump from Ford Xflow

[gumpetung]

My dry sump oil pump have developed a small leak somewhere between the pump and the engine block (I suspect). So I want to re-gasket it to stop the dripping.

I have tried to undo the screws and the pump housing is free, I was expecting to be able to pull it out. But after 3-4 mm I'm getting resistance and it will not come out.
What to do? Should I use some persuasive force? Or is there something that I'm missing?

/jano

[Nighthawk]

which type of pump do you have, is it front mounted and driven by a straight cut or helical cut gear?

[Kinkell]

Gear driven from camshaft. Carefully nudge engine over and ease the pump whilst in gear, worth a try but gently does it.

[gumpetung]

Sorry should have mentioned that the pump is a 5 port type, most likely "Pace", driven by the camshaft.

I'll try to nudge the engine a little while pulling.

It should not be necessary to drop the sump for removing and re-fitting the pump, right?