There's only PTFE-thread sealant on it. That sounds pretty meticulous to back it out by tapping on it to try and get it to rotate counter-clockwise. Would tapping a screw driver against it create enough of a "divot" in the stud to be able to turn it? Wouldn't drilling and using a left-hand bit or extractor be a lot faster? I don't think I can just drill straight up into it because the motor mount bracket is in the way, thus my idea of just taking off the timing cover.