Water pump M3A1 White Scout car

[Jes Andersen]

If you are anywhere near the water and marine suppliers, you should be able to get Teflon shaft packing rope in a wide variety of diameters, sold by the foot or inch. These are used in prop shaft glands and other moveable through hull situations. Your best bet to find this type of stuff is at an old school chandlery that supports a real shipyard or boat repair yard.