They make a neoprene seal as a replacement for the rope. At least they did when I replaced the rear main seal on my father in-laws 55 Ford Customline. Unless the engine is out and the crank is out, you may then have a 50% chance of getting a rope to seal. good luck,
Scott

Scott Ward

2 1948 1.5-ton Loadmasters
The red one and The snow pusher
1 1950 3100
1 1955.1 Chevy 6500
1 1954 Chevy 6500 2-Ton
1 1955 1st Series COE 5700
1 1963 K20 (454)
1 1964 C10 (350)
1 1951 1.5-ton Dump Truck
1953 and a 1956 Ford F800

Raising a teenager is like trying to nail Jello to a tree!