[poncho-mike]

I've got a high mileage 2002 Saturn Vue with the 2.2L Ecotec hooked to a 5-spd manual. It recently developed a very nasty oil leak at the front oil seal. The leak came on very quickly.

I pulled the harmonic balancer off, and was surprised when the seal came off with the hub. I checked the fit of the seal to the timing chain hub, and it was not a press fit. I ordered a FelPro replacement seal, TCS 46112. The replacement seal appears identical to the original. It is a snug fit, but definitely not a press fit.

I'm not sure what to do here. I checked the timing chain cover, and there doesn't appear to be any grooves in the mating surface. I watched one youtube video where someone mentioned using a sealant on the seal. I also found a video that stated PTFE seals should be put on dry.

Has anybody ever encountered this on a Ecotec engine? Looking for any advice here, the car is torn down and I'm trying to get it back together.