For the rope seal, I use picture hanging wire. I tie a bit around the end and use slow steady force to pull it around. I also use a small slot screw driver to ease the leading edge into the slot.
Years ago I put a neoprene seal into a 194. The secret was to lubricate the lip and push the seal into the crank to compress it and creat clearance between the seal and the block. If the seal is forced against the parting line of the block it can slice the back off the seal.
