Thanks for the great tips....just because I'm ready to get to the repair I've been delayed by rain for the last two days--yep it occasionally rains here. I did do some closer detailed inspection because I was getting a little concerned with some of the diagnosis comments. The thick seal is still firmly attached forward but has come up aft hence the gap you see. I still intend to thoroughly clean, inspect, and reseal then dicor everything. I'm out of town av8n but intend to get after it ASAP. I'll keep you posted once I get into it. Again, thanks for the great tradecraft reccs!!
