Thank you for looking.

I have my 95 850 Turbo Wagon apart right now tackling several things at once (120k major service, struts, T Belt, tensioners, pulleys, water pump, etc.)and need help getting a question answered about the front camshaft oil seal. I saw in another thread here, where a guy mentioned how a leaking seal could affect the timing belt and it's components. Sure enough, my exhaust cam seal seems to be leaking. I just spent the money on new pulleys, belts, tensioners, the worx, and would hate to have that all compromised by leaking oil.

To replace the the front camshaft oil seal, I would think that I could mark the sprocket... carefully remove it, pull the old seal, put a new one in place, and re-mount the sprocket. The key being to mark the sprocket in a way that it goes back to the EXACT position it was in before removal. I currently have IPD's Camshaft locking tool in place for the T-Belt replacement. Look at the pic below. I am thinking this device would give me an exact correlation for markings from sprockets to tool to head ... all markings tied together and connected exactly via this tool.

The Haynes manual, however, states a lengthy process that involves the undoing of the top motor mount, removal of the air box assembley, distributor etc. to get to and expose the rear of the camshaft so that a camshaft alignment tool can be used for alignment. The process it calls for involves installing the T belt and tensioner, and "tapping" the belt before installing the final bolts on the sprockets and tightening them. The Haynes process is much more lengthy, involves more risk, calls for more parts (new bolts, nuts, rear seals, etc.) calls for other special tools and so on.

The only flaw I can think of with my plan would be if the sprocket to camshaft mounting could present play potential even within the 3 mounting bolts and markings.

Is there any reason that my plan would not work ???
One which would explain why Haynes has such an elaborate process laid out... or are the Haynes people just covering their butts and causing me inflated concern?
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1995 850T Wagon 120k