Oil Pump Leaks Options

[Starman]

Can you take off the oil pump without removing the oil pan?

Mine leaks between the pump and block, the alternator was completely coated with grime.

Also is there any real difference between the 6G72 SOHC used in the Sedan and Wagon?
the parts for the wagon are about 30% more expensive, but the engines should be the same.

For some reason the lower timing cover got warped and rubbed against the crank pulley, it's got
a big hole there. Inside, it was mostly clean, the outside was all oily.

[chain rattle]

I had a look at an exploded view of a V6 SOHC motor

you should be able to reach the oil pump by
taking off the lower timing belt covers
that means removing the timing/belt drive pully

dropping off the sump gives you a chance to clean the oil pump pick up filter
and clean any unwanted muck left in the bottom of the pan

warped cover (quite common fault)
best try a wrecker/junkyard/car recyler to get another cover

[Starman]

warped cover (quite common fault)
best try a wrecker/junkyard/car recyler to get another cover

Are all the engine parts interchangeable between the Sedan and Wagon?
the wagon is quite rare. Online the Mitsu parts dealers make a distinction,
but don't give any factory part numbers, only a 25% increase in price.