Timing cover Crank seal question?

96, 4.0 putting the timing cover on my rebuild. I have read some people say that when you put the crank seal on to use oil and rtv, fsm doesn't say either? How have you done it?

Putting RTV around the outer metal ring of the seal is more of a why not thing, than a why thing. It works three ways, it acts like a lubricant so the seal goes in easier, it helps seal any flaws in the outside metal ring (flange) so it doesn't seep oil and it inhibits corrosion. Most times you'll get a good seal without the RTV, depends on the quality control at the manufacturer. A little lubrication/silicon on the outside metal ring is unlikely to hurt anything and may help. Dissimilar or even similar metals can chemically bond, an inert barrier can help inhibit this.

A dab of oil or grease on the rubber seal lip is also a just in case type thing, so it gets lubricated and friction (600 RPM, rubber on metal) doesn't melt it before normal lubrication reaches it.

A couple of steps that take a few minutes extra, but may save you a real headache sometime.

^what 8mud said. lightly coat the outside of the seal with silicone, rub the inside edge with whatever grease you have around. as with any part of an engine assembly dry on dry is bad for the first start up.

Great, thanks guys!