You wrote: "...its typical to use a 3mm seal the second time a 6mm. I believe with the gray Volvo seal you need use a special tool to insert the seal in the right depth whereas the orange Elring may offer one set at 3mm when set flush. I'd probably recommend getting a 3mm Elring and spend the time making a homemade tool to insert properly..."

I've got the SPX tools ("drifts") and always set them at increasing depth (to ride on fresh surface) when replacing the seals. But your comment is a little perplexing. Are you saying that the seals also come in different widths (i.e., "use a 3mm seal" and "the second time a 6mm")? I've only seen them offered in a single width: i.e., the Volvo-brand cam/intermediate shaft seals are 6 mm wide; the crankshaft seal is 11 mm wide. I've never seen them offered in different widths.

I'm assuming you meant their depth to be inserted, not their width. Right?

Happy holidays.