Tried to fit a new rear engine oil seal tonight. What a fight.
Finally got it in, and was contemplating the few dents, realising it was going to be done again, when the seal popped out on it's own.
WTF???
Never seen that one before.
Anyone else seen it happen?
I had used permatex 3D as recommended by many.
I think that contributed to the problem.
But if it's gonna pop out on it's own, how in the hell is it going to stay put when running?
Any tips?

yep put in dry and use a tool if you have one lines it up square

use some sealer after its in place just as a precaution around the outer joint face

I can borrow a tool, that was my next step.
Installing dry makes sense after my last experience.
I had considered using a setting sealer and leaving the installation tool in overnight to stop it popping out.

a thin smear of oil on the outer seal edge is good enough just to help it slide into place

Makes sense.
Thanks for the tips.
I will give it a go as you suggest.

What engine? Type 1 or 4? Dave

You mean the front oil seal Phil..
Beetles don't have a rear oil seal..
I haven't heard of that happening.. and have read a lot about VWs all over the world..
Sounds like the hole is too small... only reason it would pop out...
actually it doesn't come to mind of any seal popping out??
but NOT good...
ELRING oil Seal? 113 105 245FS

LEE

I never heard that either on any car engine for the fact.

Lee, the engine is still forward, just the car is back to front

It may be shaping up into a brand issue.
The seal I tried fitting is a DPH brand.
This was the brand of choice by the supplier (who distained Elring, by the way).
Mind you, we wrecked a couple of DPH brand seals fitting them to the Club Kombi on Saturday, too.
The engine got the blame for that at the time.

Now I am trying to source an Elring brand to see if I have better luck.
BTW this was the brand I removed initially.
It wasn't leaking, but I had to change the flywheel, and thought I would do the right thing and shout it a new seal.
Still, if I hadn't changed it, and it leaked, I would never have forgiven myself for being a lazy old bugger!

I have elring crankshaft seals and a proper tool for fitting it into a type 1 engine. Let me know if I can help! Dave

Thanks Dave. I appreciate the offer.
Obtained an Elring seal from Bob at Volkscare.
Borrowed a tool from another friend.
Slipped in sweet as, with a little oil for help.
And stayed put! As much as one can ask for.

One tip I was given was to remove the spring and disconnect it from itself.
Snip a few turns from the end and reinstall. This gives it more tension and helps avoid leaks.
Don't cut the wrong end, though!