Everything else is off except the timing belt back plate......does the seal have to be replaced?.....closer inspection, of course not.

 

No, the seal fits into a bore in the head itself, behind the back plate. The plate comes off with just the three obvious bolts, once the cam sprockets and three-legged "spider" are removed.

 

thx Jim....getting the manx legged spider off was the hardest part. Backing plate is off and full access to the m##**##r f##**##g sensor bolt.

This bolt was frozen in place..........some pics for those who may find themselves doing same: