the groove is in pretty good conditions. A couple small bits have flaked off, but overal it seats the seal just fine. I can clean it out with dish soap and remove any dust/grime under the seal.. but it's not sticking. My local mechanic recommended some silicone glue as well, just to keep it down (very small amount). That way if i need to remove it.. it should be fairly easy to do so?

You think just adding some soap under it will create a seal?