I have a couple of simple questions if anyone could spare the time to answer them, please. I am a a bit of a barnyard mechanic, a refugee from older Peugeots, and recently discovered how good Magnas are.

I'm doing the cam belt on my recently acquired TJ Solara, 2000 model V6. Getting a bit nervous as it's now done 130,000 Ks.

Do I really need the special tool to tension the new belt ?

I note that my photocopied page of the manual says everything is ok if I put a pin in the tensioner and can remove it and put it back freely.
Is there a special shape on the bolt (haven't seen it yet) which only the special tool fits on to ?

Secondly, a REALLY simple question...as this is my first V6, which cylinder is number 1 ?

Just as a side issue, some time after I bought it, I discovered the oil was REALLY low....not even registering on the dipstick. At the time I saw a small leak and assumed it was the crank seal, but now the cover is off it is definitely not that seal. And now I can't see oil underneath but the engine still goes through a bit. It's weird ! Where could it be going ? Definitely not burning it....the engine seems in really very good condition....in fact the whole car is.

these little oil leaks can be a pain to find some times, all i can say is replace your rocker cover gaskets and tube seals, usually oil will leak from the rear rocker cover, check under the distributor for oil, as the seal at the distributor can leak, and also check the cam thrust caps for oil leaking there, that would be on the passenger side of the motor where the cams are. as for a special tool, i didn't use one on mine (i know im going to get spanked for that comment :P, and i dont encourage any use of anything other then the proper equipment, im just saying what i used.) all i used was circlip pliers, but remember that the idler pulley there is on a cam and i cant remember the amount of force you need on the belt, i know it isnt much, someone else can probably tell you here, or your book will tell you

The Tensioner is easy - Stick the tensioner in a vice to force the piston back - use some sturdy wire to put through the hole - and the when installed a pair of pliers can pull the wire out.

As I remember it #1 is conveniently located on the rear bank on the driver side - right under all the intake... Yep Good Planning for anyone wanting top dead center.. I think #4 is also TDC and is middle on the front bank - much easier to access.

I have 2 cars; a '80's Jaguar XJ-S and a Magna - none of the mechanics/designers knew what an oil seal looked like... Magna's leak oil from camshaft seals, rocker covers, distributor seals... All are fixable.. But because the air flow directs all of the leaks rearward it can be a bugger to work out where they come from - Jaguars - Well they continue to leak - even with factory new seals....

Also when it recently changed my exhausted TH wagon for a a newer TJ Sportswagon - I was VERY alarmed - after only a week of driving the oil dropped to 1/2 full - thought I'd bought a PUP, topped the oil up and it didn't change in the next week - did an oil and filter change and oil level hasn't changed since - even thought it had a service history - have to assume there was contaminated oil in the sump or lack of driving to boil off water etc.