rope packing around crankshaft
 

Is the rope packing "gasket" the same length and thickness the same for the oil pan "below" as for the timing gear cover "above" I have a section for the oil pan and I want to use it for the top timing gear cover??

Re: rope packing around crankshaft
 

yes.

Re: rope packing around crankshaft
 

As quickchange says, Yes it is the same. If appears to be a bit to long don't be tempted to trim it back as you will most likely finish up with a leak. I also use a little bit of silicon sealant at the ends of the rope. Others recommend soaking rope in oil before installing. I just wipe a small amount of oil or grease on the surface.

Re: rope packing around crankshaft
 

do not cut this packing.
once in place in the timing cover, loosely install the timing cover bolt closest to the pass side. then use a large screwdriver thru a hole on the driver's side of the timing cover and just barely into a hole in the block, and thus use the screwdriver to lever the cover down over the crank. This method allows u to compress the packing sufficiently to get the bolts in