Engine Oil Leak Timing Chain Case

You may remember i posted a while ago a thread that I thought my oil feed pipe to vac pump was leaking...after much deliberating that wasnt actually the problem as the pipe is bone dry.
I have had my tech look at the engine & he seems to think that i have a leak from my timing chain cover..."its nothing to worry about as the chain is run through an oil bath & the leak isn't coming from a pressurised side of the engine"
Ive attached pics of where the leak is showing-spray on the underside of the alternator, side of the block & dripping slightly on to the top of the metal/rubber coolant pipe join on the water hose beneath the alternator.There is also some residue left on the top of the diff case.
I would assume then that rectifying would involve removing the sump & then timing cover, refitting the cover with sealant & the sump with a gasket.
However the technician has said that he can either try a repair using a putty type substance internally on the join by removing the inlet manifold or if i wanted the timing cover off this involves taking the head off???
I believe when my oil pump bolt was replaced, that involved removing the timing cover & taking off the sump to do so-NOT taking the head off...
Anyone heard of this before & am I right in thinking he is talking rubbish!?

The head does not have to come off to get the timing chain cover off but the problem is the timing chain sprocket has to come off the camshaft to allow the chain enough slack to get it off the oil pump sprocket. Until you remove the chain you cant get the cover off. You can remove the oil pump sprocket but if you dont have to then leave it alone as it can be a problem if its not done up tight with thread lock compound. I dont think the coveruses a gasket but is sealed with silicone sealant to the engine block.