Installing new front seal silicone the seal?

[NewToFord]

I am putting a new seal into the timing cover. Am I supposed to use grease or silicone around the new seal when I tap it into the new cover. Thanks

 

[Celeb]

I never did, I just put them in dry. Never had any leaks.

It's a very tight fit, just take your time and don't get mad and start whaling it with a hammer. lol

 

[84Ttop]

use a small amount of engine oil on the rubber seal itself, that's it, tap it in straight with a seal tool or a large socket will do.

 

[capri debris]

I've always used a little RTV on my front main seal, rear tranny seal and differential pinion seal.
It can't hurt anything and it acts like a lubricant to make it easier to tap the seals in place.
And in the past when I've installed them dry, I have had them leak.... never had them leak since I started using RTV

 

[rd]

I use grease around the metal portion of the seal and oil on the lip where the crank goes. Also not had leaks.

 

[srtthis]

i used assembly lube on the rubber and had to beat the living hell out of it to get it in. tight isnt the right word for this one

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Never used anything on mine...just hammer it in with a block of wood.