Can I re-use a rope seal?

I am going to drop the sump of my Flathead motor. I am just wondering if I can re-use the rear rope seal or if I will have to replace once I drop the sump?

 

I wouldnt

 

replace it. HRP

 

Do you put on dirty underwear after you take a shower (for those of us who DO wear underwear..)?

Bob

 

I made that mistake - once. 15 years ago I did a lower end rebuild on a flathead. First time I ever worked on motor, let alone a flathead. Didn't think to purchase a new rope seal so i re-used the one I had because I wanted to finish and put the motor back in the car. Leaked a little every damn day. I still kick myself for that mistake.

 

Just going in for a look?

 

Probably not a good idea.

 

No, they shrink with age . When you find one if its dried out soak it in oil before installing seal.

 

I just turn mine inside out. I never reuse toilet paper though, one should just use it once and throw it away.

If I lived in the country and had to be to work in the morning I probably would not hitch hike to town to get a new rope seal, but if I had access to a new rope seal I would replace it while I had the pan off. So I suppose it depends on your situation.

 

beaner, i cant get that damn picture out of my head!!! turnin them inside out.... bad pic brother just a bad pic...lol. on the subject of rope seal. which do you prefer spending a few dollars now or spend time to pull pan and doing it right on the second go-round. might not leak then again it might just pour. thats a gamble i wouldnt want to take.

 

Last time I went for a physical my doctor said, "you are still smoking aren't you." I said, "how do you know Doc." He said. "You got nicotine stains in your shorts." I'll fix him I ain't wearin' no short next time.


Ha cha cha cha, I got a million of 'em. (Jimmy Durante)

 

If one is available I'd replace it.

In an emergency with none available I'd "swell" the existing rope seal by driving a stiff piece of wire into it or under it.

my 2¢.

.bjb

 

Inside out is good and you can rotate them 180* to get another cycle out of 'em.

Bob

 

I hope that you're not talking about the tp......

.

 

O.k. I'll give it a wash before I re-install it then

Pete, just going to drop the pan, give it a good clean, inspect the pump screen and replace the front seal with a one piece. I have the one piece seal and have trial fitted it into a spare front cover that I have here -looks like a good fit. I am really just trying to fix the front seal as the oil blowing back is making the whole undercarriage oily!

Adam

 

Hmmm. I think you need 2 seals to do the job.

 

Yeah, I will order the seals when I get new pan gaskets.