1999 v70 cam seal

[JimBee]

I've asked around quite a bit on how far in to seat the seal. Consensus, including Volvo techs, is all the way, flush to back. That's how I've done 6 on different 850's and they've all stayed dry. I do use silicone spray on all surfaces that have to slide against the shaft or cyl head well. Also, use pvc plumbing fitting or pipe section with square end to push the seal in.
Hopefully, there are no scratches on the shaft or gouges in the wall of the well where the seal is recessed.

[erikv11]

Yeah, I've asked around quite a bit too, replaced I think 4 of them and never had one leak ...

Seems pretty clear that regardless of how the engines were assembled the factory, "how far in" doesn't matter so much on replacement, as long as the seal goes in straight. I can think of two simple ways to do that: (1) flush it up with the outer surface and (2) push it all the way in.