I find it hard to guarantee a leak free rope seal, they even leaked from the factory. That is not to say some do not leak. I have recently started using Best Gasket brand rope seals and so far I like them.
Through the years I have had the best luck with the Neoprene seal.
As I mentioned in my post above the seal groove must be concentric to the bearing bore. I would also offset the ends of the seal with the parting line of the cap and block. Make sure to use some Permatex on the cap to block surface to prevent oil wicking through that area.
