I see you found a rope that would work for you. I forgot to mention that a nylon rope would work or even jute.

That bottom o-ring fits into the block.

Be sure to lube the o-rings and grommet with assembly lube, vaseline or even k-y, before trying to assemble the drain tubes.

To reinstall, position the grommet a few inches up the tube and install the o-rings. Insert the lower end into the block and lean it outwards. Place the upper tube onto the lower tube and push down as far as it will go. Then move the tube into place and lift the upper tube untill it mates with the surface on the turbo housing and bolt it in place. Ensure that the lower tube is positioned where the bottom o-ring is in its detent (by feel) and push the grommet down. IIRC, I used the rounded side of 90 degree needle nose pliers to push the grommet down that last little bit.

Clean everything off with silicone spray and paper towels and you are good to go. Mine hasn't leaked in at least 5 years since doing this task.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )