Leather oil seal

[triumphman]

I have a new leather oil seal for the front of my JK6 it seems really hard, do they need soaking in oil before fitting.

[dieselgman]

The leather seals always require a good soak in lube oil before forming to the crankshaft. Old stocks can be dried and hardened up from age.

dieselgman

[triumphman]

Thank you i suspected that was the case

[listard-jp2]

I know this sounds a little unorthodox, but IMHO for better and / or faster results, soak the oil seal in hot oil for improved penetration of oil into the leather parts of the seal. I myself heat the oil in a tin can over a camping stove with the oil seal, until it starts to boil, then after leaving it to cool its ready to use.

This approach allows you to use a thicker oil if you wish, that is likely to stop in the leather for longer when its on the engine.