Good info. So…am I correct in assuming the rope style seal is more forgiving than the rubber?
I wouldn't say that. In my opinion the spring-backed one-piece seal Jerry uses is the most forgiving of all and will do the best job (assuming like all others it is riding on a smooth surface). That seal (because of its design) can work with more up/down crank movement. I'd put the rubber seal as number 2 if done correctly with a crankshaft which has good clearance. I'd put the rope seal as dead last, particularly if the surface of your crankshaft looks like the image I posted. Six or seven years ago I had the opportunity to see 5 235s that were disassembled by a friend (to scavenge usable parts, basically). Every one of the sealing surfaces of the crankshafts looked like that image I posted (which was taken of the 235 I'm currently using). Horrible stuff. Those rope seals harbor not just oil but acids and humidity. Once the crank gets buggered up, then the crank will shred the rope, ruin the rubber, etc. The old asbestos-laced seals (like the old brake shoes) were a lot tougher and able to stand wear better. Just my 2c worth.
