You are correct, I went out and looked at the seal really closely, there are springs on both sides. Both sides are identical except there are six indentations on one side, that side went towards the motor. I really dont see how putting it in one direction verses the other would affect anything. I actually put the indentions outward toward the flywheel, I hope I don't have to re-split my cases, maybe someone will chime in and give us both a heads up.