Front Oil Seal Replacement (98 A4 1.8Tq)

[Rocket Science Racing]

Thank you's to Wayne, Mark, Joel, Huw and Jon!

PVC pipe or fittings as an insertion tool, why didn't I think of that?
(duh!)
I have used sockets in the past for smaller things, like small bearings.

Next question: are there any special tools I need to remove any of the
pulleys or sprockets so that I can get to the oil seals to replace them? I
was studying the timing belt FAQs on Audiworld (I have a Bentley, too) and
it seems the crank pully may be held on by some sort of special fastener?
Any hints or tips in this area? Any hints or tips on how to hold the pulleys
or sprockets steady so that I can remove the bolts (I've fab'd tools for
this sort of thing in the past).

Also, I need to drop and reseal the oil pan as well (already tried looking
for loose fasteners :-). To drop it straight down looks like a huge project
requiring removal of a large subframe member and maybe engine mounts. If
I've got the front of the engine apart and the lock carrier pulled out, is
there room to drop it an inch and slide it forward and out instead?

Finally, my apologies for quoting an entire digest in my original post. I'm
normally very sensitive to that sort of thing (doh!)

Thanks,

Scott