Main seal dowel install

I didn't have much luck on a search. On my neighbors CJ2A we were giong to install a new rear main seal. What is the secret trick to install the neoprene dowels that go along side the rear main cap. They seem to be way too thick and sort of bunch up. I have seen them on other engines that were hollow and you put a blunt tool into them to push them into the holes after the cap is in place. But there is no provision to do this. I am sure some of you have a method or trick to do this. Thanks.

 

I asked my machine shop guy the same thing and he said they will compress when the cap is installed. DO NOT CUT THEM OFF!

 

If you got everything good and clean, you can force black RTV into the holes where the dowels go. Put the RTV nozzle tight into the hole and squeeze it in there. The idea is to force RTV into all the nooks and crannies. Leave some dangling out the hole so the oil pan will compress it slightly.

Even if you end up with the rubber plugs, BE SURE TO LEAVE SOME STICKING OUT! You need some extra so the pan will compress it in the hole....