I just wanted to follow up. I ended up removing one layer on the shim. I checked the sideplay also. It was within specs. I used RTV around the rope seal and torqued it to #80. Well it still leaks but much less, and only after I shut it off. I will probably have the spare engine rebuilt next year, but it should be ok until them. Thank you everyone for all your help. Now on to the brakes and removing the steering box.
Bill
Bill