I've pulled the timing cover apart, read up and now understand how to set the oil pump balance shaft timing, read up on how to set the tension on both belts (and stand a chance of getting that right) - but I'm considering going one step further. I have a very small amount of oil coming out of the front seal (no drips on the floor, but oil around the general area under the timing cover and on the oil pan), and figure I should consider replacing that seal while I'm in there. Questions, please...

1. It looks like I need to gin up a special tool to bolt to the end of the crank timing belt gear to hold it in place while I remove the crank bolt. Is that what the pros do - use a special tool, holding it in place with 2 of the crank pulley bolts? Or...

2. Am I asking for trouble - should I instead leave the seal alone until it really starts leaking? The motor has 180K, runs like a top, burns a quart every 2500 miles, and I want to give it a good chance to make it the next 60K (even though I probably won't be the owner then).

Thanks for any help you experts can provide.

Dave