I think you can buy the neoprene seal to replace the rope seal. I did that on my father inlaws Ford with no problems. I didn't have to loosen the crank. To remove the old rope seal I took some small dowel rod and worked the end of the seal until it came loose. Then I rolled the crank over and the seal rolled out with it. Then just roll the new seal back in the same way. Should only take a couple of hours to do,
Scott
