I have never experienced the issues that you have described, however, IF you install the seals at the proper depth there will be no problems because the spring area of the seal will find it's way to the groove on the crankshaft.

 

I've done 2 or 3 rear main seals and never had the leaking issue. I always follow the manual and install the seal to the depth required, checking with feeler gauges. I've never replaced just the front main seal - the times I've had an engine that far apart I have always put a new oil pump in, so not sure about that one.

 

 

some seals come pre-lubed where the crank and seal meet. so make sure to check for that, and if its not then lube it up!
putting it in dry is no bueno.

 

Yes, and even then I have always used some Vaseline (generously applied to the crankshaft and the contact area of the seal) to be sure that installation goes smoothly.

 

 

 

looks fine to me

 

 

make sure the outside of the seal and the seal bore in the block is bone dry and clean. Put a thin layer of gray rtv on the outer edge of the seal. This will help it slide in easier, and will make it seal flawlessly with the block, and once cured will hold it in place so it doesn't pop out. 9/10 times a new seal leaks, it's because the seal either pops out or it leaks between the block and seal.
you can also push the seal in a little deeper too. It does not need to be in the exact same location as it was originally.

 

 

 

actually, you'll tend to have a higher chance of it leaking if the new seal sits in the same ridge as was worn by the old seal. Because you can almost never get it 100% exactly the same as the old seal. I always set it to a depth that makes it NOT sit on the groove, but rather an un-worn surface. For depth, it really doesn't matter. as long as it's not sticking out.

 

 

 

either way is fine. I've found removing the seal is easier when the housing is still bolted to the block, and install is a hair easier when the housing is removed. Just make sure you don't damage the crank at all; it's not too difficult to scratch the crank when pulling the seal or denting the crank when hammering the seal in. Either way though, if your setup has a removable housing, I strongly suggest removing and reinstalling the housing just to make sure the housing seals properly from the block. Sometimes the seal install process can break the seal between the housing and block. It's rare, but it can happen

 

I always pull the plate off for removal and installation of the new seal, but I use a seal driver set for installation, so it has to be off or the driver won't fit.