Hi folks,  Just getting ready to install the new front crank seal and cam seals along with new waterpump

and timing belts. Do you use any type of sealant on the seals themselves or just pound them back in place

using the same depth of the original seals and they will stay put? I have the proper seal replacement tools.

hey Cranky...

on the seals... use oil around the edges to 'lube' them prior to installation.

Please note that there is also an large o-ring to replace with the front cam seal. You'll find it... keep looking. Lightly tap... don't "Pound them back in place"

Some people (like me) use the supplied waterpump gasket with a thin layer of RTV on both sides. I think it helps seal any small pits and irregularities on the block. I have never had a problem. The bearings in the waterpump go before the flange seal fails. Lots of info on this forum about cheap brands of waterpumps. I have read that GD uses no gasket and an anaerobic sealant (Loctite 515, I believe).

Well, I wasn't going to really pound them back in place. Just a manner of speech.    I know to keep them nice and straight and to set them the proper depth carefully and not force the point. Thanks for the reply

Ensuring all surfaces are really clean and free of distortion, grooves and gouges is the key to a good seal, O rings and oil seals generally don't need added sealants (in fact they are sometimes a cause of leaks when they stop a seal from seating) though occasionally a damaged housing can benefit.  

on the cam towers use only oem Subaru o rings, you wont be sorry . they have a metal reinforced center.  the repro orings leak in a few miles

holy crap anuther ivan on here i like to use a small bit of ultra grey on the outside of seals and orings to keep them in place and sealed on the outside

Yes I use ultra grey on seals as well.  It also acts as a lubricant to help the seal go in.  Make sure you clean the seal and the metal with acetone really good first.

The cam tower o-ring that is metal reinforced is inside the cam tower.  I believe the OP is talking about the outer cam shaft seal after you pull the sprocket.   There is also an o-ring there which should be replaced.

Yes, to be clear I use ultra grey on the OUTSIDE of the seals, and not the part that touches the camshaft.  The o-ring on the cam support is also a problem area.  Some ultra grey used sparingly here is a good thing, but too much and you'll have a heck of a time removing the cam support later, if needed.