Chris, I did put oil on the seal several times before installing.  As I recall, the surface it rides against was smooth but not entirely flat.  In other words there were some slight ridges and valleys, but nothing rough.   I can see a couple of very slight groves around the old seal (which leaked very little if any at all).

I will do as you suggest and run it a few hours at least.   

Thanks very much.  I appreciate all your help.  

Tom