Sealing/caulking awning and spoiler

Xylene is indeed an aggressive solvent.  I've used it on RV skins for years with no problem, as long as you don't let a dampened cloth sit on the surface.  Alcohol is often good, but not especially effective on caulks like silicone.  Naptha is also something that I use, for it is a common solvent for auto paint preparation.  After using the Xylene for cleaning the surface, perhaps I should hav e finished up with alcohol.

Leo, You are definately in the minority.

I agree. The foam tape is the problem. Without that, there would not be the pushing up between the screws.

I have just been informed by FR that the foam tape is butyl.  Either this is something entirely new to me or FR is playing games.  The exposed surface of the tape is just like the stuff you would put around a door to keep out the draft.  There is no adhesive to it, except on the one attaching side. Moreover, it is applied in such a sloppy manner that it has seams that do not seal against one another,  My difficulty now is whether to use it as FR recommends (screw down and caulk around) or remove it and replace it with real butyl tape or viscous butyl caulk.  The only problem with real butyl tape is the spoiler is not rigid enough and the screws don't get enough bite to properly compress it.  But the caulk might work.  Insights?  Igblau, black metal trim?  Its just the plastic spoiler.  Then the foam tape under the edge.

Stephen, I finally ran across the 9/16 post of your spoiler repair.  First, has it lasted well.  Second, you mention running a bead of Dicor non-self leveling sealant before installing the spoiler, making sure to cover the screw holes.  Did you first remove the foam tape?  I have reached the tentative conclusion the foam tape may be to prevent air from entering and lifting the spoiler, for it certainly does not prevent water from entering.  My present inclination, while waiting for suitable weather, is to remove the foam tape and bed the spoiler in either the Dicor or a butyl viscous calk, or round butyl ribbon bedding tape (3/16", as the spoiler lip is 1/8" deep).  It would be good to learn from someone who has addressed this successfully, for a re-do is a lot of work.