The graphite rope seal is what is used in industrial applications, such as in an asphalt seal tank. The agitator with a shaft going down the center of a round tank uses a graphite rope seals on the shafts to seal the tank when it's over half full. I've had to replace these before, and the graphite will hold for a few years in this application. That said they have more pressure on them when the tank is full of sealer than an engine does when running. They also have a 20 foot shaft that is flexing under load while agitating the tank, it's a wonder they seal at all.... LOL.
The older water faucets stems also used graphite rope seals and usually have to hold roughly 60 PSI of water pressure and hold up pretty well there too.
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Brad Yost
1973 T/A (SOLD)
2005 GTO
1984 Grand Prix
100% Pontiacs in my driveway!!! What's in your driveway?
If you don't take some of the RACETRACK home with you, Ya got cheated 
  
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