Do the 1997 cars have the rope seal as discussed in the repair manuals.
I look on the engine and don't see it.
Any clues?

Rope seal?

Generally when I think of a Rope seal i think of Windshields..but thats kinda old school...

And when i think of rope seal i think of the rear main seal in old engines....what exactly are you talking about?

Yeah in reference to the rear seal, I thought it was the one piece rubber, but just wanted to be sure.

WW..

In my experience..I'd give it about a 90% chance that your rear main seal is good and that the bolts that hold the rear cover on the engine are loose. We have quite a few that have found this cover to be loose. When the bolts loosen up the leak appears on the oil pan and most think it'* a gasket.

When it reappears quickly..we think rear main because of the general location and inablitlty to see the rear main. Once you pull the engine or trans..the rear main is most lilely 100% dry. If so, it'* that rear cover being loose.

Just doing an overhaul and came across the rope seal issue, wanted to make sure I had my "nuts & bolts in a row" so to speak.

WIll coat the rear cover bolts with thread sealer, make sure they stay in.

Good weekend to all, hopefully will have the motor finished up tomorrow and with any luck back in the car Sunday.

Rear cover?

What rear cover are you referring to?