1) Does the rear main seal require any sealer on the outer edge that contacts the block and the retainer? My instructions say only to grease the lip and the back and sides of upper seal half so it can be installed on top of the crankshaft and to do the same for the lower seal half in the retainer. Does the pressure from the retainer create a good seal with the block and the retainer that will not leak?
2) Do the side seals require sealer. In Ted's post below he says to use sealer in the side seal slots and push the side seals into the retainer to force the sealer down to the bottom (top) of the retainer slot. Ted also says to add sealer at the base of the retainer where it contacts the block. This makes sense but what holds pressure on the side seals to make the seal with the block. Do the sides of the side seal that contact the block require sealer? If so, how much and do you coat the entire side seal?
My instructions (Best Gasket) say to apply a thin coat of oil to the block where the side seals will contact the block and that the side seals are installed dry. It also says to install the side seals and retainer together. Then to torque the retainer. Now here is the strange part it say to "smear sealer into and around the bolt holes (OK) and all seams between the engine block and retainer". If the sealer is only forced into the seams from the outside it appears to me pressure would force the sealer out and the sides would leak. Is this the best way to seal the retainer to the block? I have heard that most of the leaks are from the side seals.
Any instructions on the best way to get the seal installed correctly and to seal would be greatly appreciated. Roy