Ditto on deburring the outer corner of the seal bore, just knock off the sharp edge. Also, pack the rear (inner side) recess on the seal, where the little coil spring lives, with grease. I like to use silicone grease, and grease the seal rubber lip and the seal bore, too, for easier driving. I've had two types of failures with driving front seals. One, you cut the outer rim rubber with the sharp corner on the pump bore, or two, you rattle the little spring out when you are driving the seal. The grease holds the spring in while driving, and eases the seal's passage into the bore. I've also used a smear of rtv on the outer rim with success, both lubing the intstall (drive it while rtv us still wet) and providing extra sealing of the rim in case you have a scratch in the bore. oem seals are very good.

One way to find the leak source. Tear it down to bare the front and use an ear syringe, the little rubber bulb and spout, and some baby powder and dust the front of the engine and sides around the oil filter appliance. Gently blow the loose powder away and the rest, stuck on the oil path, will show you where it ran from (and was blown/flung to, but you can see the solid track most of the time.

The really best trick is UV dye in the oil and a black light, but it's not real cheap.


Not responsible for advice not taken...