Seal installation

When replacing a shaft seal (crank, cam, aux, whatever) is it necessary to lubricate the outside of the seal (the part that rides against the whole, not the inside with the double lip)?

I just installed a new crank seal (front) and forgot to lube the outside of the seal. I did grease the inside double lip, however.

I laways do but more as a matter of easing the install. Opinions will vary.

It's not necessary but it may ease installation, like Dave said. Be sure to lube the seal part and the part it slips over.

Sounds good. After install I figured it would have been easier with the outer ring greased. I was just hoping it wouldn't leak.

I'll be sure to grease the rear main all over when I replace it.

You can use oil on the rear main