Flywheel inspection cover seal?

[motoMark]

Has anyone ever replaced one of these felt-type seals on the flywheel inspection cover? It seems to me that it's only there to catch any errant drops of oil leaking from the rear main seal or the back of the oil pan. I suppose I can just clean and reinstall.

 

[Sniper]

More likely it's there to keep and road crud out.  But to answer the question, I have never replaced one of them, never got to that point so YMMV.

[TodFitch]

I am away from my reference material so I can’t refresh my memory, but I think the parts book for my vintage Plymouth calls it a dust seal. So I am going to go with @Sniper and say it is to keep road crud out.

[Sam Buchanan]

Our old cars spent a huge part of their life on dirt/gravel roads back in the day. The felt seal probably isn't as big a factor these days.

[FarmerJon]

I would think that it may also prevent rattling of the tin. I would buy some appropriate thickness felt from McMaster Carr, and cut a new one if nothing ready made is available