I read extensively on how to seat the water pump seal - I used the "highlighter" method - and all seemed to go well. The rubber on the seal did not fold and it seemed to seat fine. Well, guess who now has an oil leak. I can't believe I have to tear into this again (not to mention get another seal). What really bugs me is I don't know how to change what I did to improve my chances of skirting an oil leak. And I can't test it before everything is reassembled.
Can anybody offer any constructive things to watch for - or personal experiences that might help me the second time around?

 

I've used a deep socket, instead of the "highlighter" (it basically does the same thing) and never had a problem. You do have to pay careful attention and install the seal without bending it. It must be tapped on flat and straight (same with any round seal).