Years ago (40+), I was shown a way to replace the block side of a rear main seal without removing the crank, but time has caused memory loss. Does anyone know how to do this? Block currently has the old style rope seal and it need replacing.

Put a drywall screw in it about 3/4" and pull it out with some pliers

I loosened my main caps when I did it (inspected bearings), don't know if you need to.

Greg

Back in the day, they made a kit that had that "cork screw" tool that removed the rope seal. In fact I went to a car part store and asked about that a couple years ago and the guy was just happy to get rid of the old faded one he had hanging on the wall. It belonged in a museum.