The last seals I put in, I used the RTV around the outside, like you, but I also used a Q-Tip with silicone spray on the end to carefully lay some of the liquid on the crankshaft snout. As I put the seal into place by hand, I twisted it clockwise to try to keep the inner lip from catching on any edges, too. Seems to have worked... Good luck, that has to be frustrating.

John B.

'87 Raider 2.6 Turbo Auto, Under Construction
'95 Montero SR, 35x12.5/15 BFG M/T KM-2's, Rock sliders, Qtr panel chop, gas tank lift, 2" BL, Aisins, 5.29s
'95 Pajero Mini
'98 Montero Winter Ed.
'04 Cadillac XLR
'03 Kawasaki ZRX1200R
'60 Ford Falcon 4Dr