All engines since 1999 have Variable Valve Timing. Your engine has VVT on both the intake and exhaust. VVT complicates things when removing the cam cover. Yes, you can paint the sprocket end and hope you can get the cams to line up properly. I would get a hold down tool which keeps the cams in the proper position throughout the reassembly process - don't want to bend valves and have a do over!!
You could pull the spark plugs and examine each piston. The leaky piston will be clean as a whistle, compared to a normal carboned up cylinder. Bore scopes are getting cheaper and a lot more fun to use, especially when you drop a nut/bolt in a hidden part of the engine bay!
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Keeping it running is better than buying new
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