Rope seal?

I got the gasket set for my timing chain cover today and I know where all the gaskets go except for a peace of rope thats about 6 inches long and about half an inch wide. I've looked all over and I cant figure out where it goes and I certainly didn't take one off when I took it apart. All the rest of the seals fit right. Does anyone know what its for?

 

Sound like the crank seal to me. I replaced mine with a Neoprene piece from Kenne-Belle back in the '90's and have never had a leak...

 

Hmmm, that might be it. the crank seal that I took off is a O ring style rubber/Neoprene. It is in excelent condition though and I have no intention of replacing it. Thanks

 

The newer neoprene one piece seal is only about 6 dollars for my money I would replace it rather than taking the chance of having to take off the timing cover later to replace it. Just my 2 cents

 

Oh, I looked for one when I ordered the gasket set. I couldn't find one for sale. The seal is new though. I can tell the engine was rebuilt only a few hundred or maybe a thousand miles ago. the only reason I've been taking the thing apart is because the timing is off horribly. I couldn't get the thing to crank unless it was 180* out. but then it only ran off the driver side. I'm glad I did take it apart to check it though. The crank gear was cracked. Hopefully it will run when I get it all back together.

 

X2. Cheap insurance...

 

x3 and the piece of mind knowing it was done right the 1st time.