Guess I can tackle replacing this thing. It appears to be rubber/neoprene and most of it is hanging out of the cup as you can see. Yes trial by fire is an understatement. One step forward two backward - as I have asked before what horrors and what could possibly go wrong replacing this ball ?? I barely recovered from the dist replacement, valve cover off, disassemble the exhaust clamp to get the valve cover bolt, intermittent battery cable.
My wife checks in on me more than usual - suspects I have a sweety hidden in the garage I spent so much time there the past few weeks.
On the other hand the car starts and runs great now(static) and Purdy Swofts words still ring in my ear "LOOK AT THIS AS FUN"