2.5di camshaft end float measurements

[In-transit]

Hi,
I'm doing camshaft oil seal. Thought I'd sort the 2yr leak at last seeing as I'm replacing snapped cambelt! Took off cambelt pulley to look at seal.
Question 1, should end of camshaft come out and in 4/5mm????!!! DONT KNOW WHY but I have it a shot pull with fingertips and IT MOVED. Surely the thrust plate shouldn't let it move that much.
Question 2, in using an 8.5mm drill bit to lock camshaft but there is a slight revolving movement still, just a few degrees. 8.5 drill bit is a bit loose in timing hole but won't take 9mm drill bit. Is this 'baggyness' all taken up and ok when I do the rocker/valve clearances?
Question 3, can I get away with doing oil seal from front of engine (with camshaft in situ) as Haynes says take off intermediate plate (what I'd call engine front plate). I'd rather not take off that plate as more gaskets and stripping block more than I need for cambelt.
This site has proved ace before. Hope someone can help. Arran

[Jay2018]

Hello mate, I see you have already introduced yourself in this section, welcome to the Forum AGAIN

This section is just to say hello, introduce yourself, your van and perhaps ask a few questions about the forum and its features.

You have to relay your technical questions into the appropriate section for your vehicle...

[bambi mk 1]

Hello mate, I see you have already introduced yourself in this section, welcome to the Forum AGAIN

This section is just to say hello, introduce yourself, your van and perhaps ask a few questions about the forum and its features.

You have to relay your technical questions into the appropriate section for your vehicle...

He may have an ultra rare twin cam di