Can't figure out this damned oil leak

RustyRatRod said

I don't normally feel the need to explain myself but I will here since two members seem to disagree with my RTV recommendation. Here is why I do it and on any front seal, regardless of "what it's made of". There is no guarantee that the seal hole in the cover is perfectly round, just as there is no guarantee the seal is perfectly round. A light coat of RTV on the outside of the seal will assure the gap between the seal and timing cover is filled and sealed. Leave it off. I don't care. My front seal does not leak.

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The reason i don't recommend it is because I've seen more than one seal that spooged themselves out of the bore because the RTV shears and the sealant reduced the friction holding it in place (ultra RTV is superior, but so many people use the rubber crap that doesn't stick to anything). Most seals are conformable (or at least coated in conformable materials) to accommodate inaccuracies in the bore, so that's never been an issue for me. This is why I brake-clean seal bores and seals religiously before I send 'em home. Never had an issue.