VN Series 1 engine - Leaking rope seal (Main Seal at the end of the crank)

I took the engine out, opened the sump up removed the old rope seal replaced a new one - idiot that I am, i didn't cut it, just sqeeezed it in with flat blade screwdriver and ensured it fits with a lump for the shaft. Put it back together, didn't even think that the engine wouldnt be able to turn... it acts like its siezed up engine..


I want to hear your versions about rope seals on these engines, I have standard length one, How much rope seal do you cut it off? What do you do with it without that special tool?
Cheers
AP