O.K. I replaced the valve cover gasket and now I can see that the extension o-ring is shot. I assume this is common because of all of the heat. What is there to changing this oring.  Would it also be necessary to change the o-ring on the distributor shaft while I'm at it. It sounds like you get the mark on the flywheel lined up with the mark on the inspection hole on the bell housing, and then have the rotor on the distributor lined up according to the directions they give you for checking the valve lash. Apparently one way is for the intake, and one for the exaust. Anyways, I would then have to pull the whole distributor out once the mark and rotor are lined up, and then do the swaps and slip it back in.  And then I'm done with it? Or is there far more to it? I figure if I can change the clutch without any help, or transmission jack for that matter, I ought to be able to do this. I just don't want to blow an engine. Any help appreciated.

just stop the engine, mark the position of the
rotor in the distributor, pull the distributor, and
remove the angled housing, 3x10mm bolts, replace
the O-ring, give it a little bit of silicone, just enough
to help seal, not squish out, and bolt the housing
back on, stick the distributor back in with the marks
made and set the timing, good to go

Wild

Is it a good idea to replace the oring in the actual shaft or just a waste of time?

Replace BOTH o rings.

The one on the distributor and on the housing.

Cwkick