95Formula,
The cover you removed is the Stator Cover (Ignition/Generator) , the one you are looking for is on the lower right side of the cylinder (just above the water pump) it is a small plastic cover with only 2 bolts holding it in place. If you hold the Reeds up to a light, look into the Reed Cage to see if the reeds are "Lifted" off of the block itself, if so, you need new reeds. The "Bottle" on your shock is the Nitrogen Bladder Chamber, and yes it should have Nitrogen in there. If there is none, that will cause the Low Rider Effect, and for Just Testing Purposes, Put some air in the bladder (Approx 100 lbs) to see if this helps cure the effect, and if so rebuild the shock and install Nitrogen.
I am just South of the Potomac River (VA) and will send more photos if needed of the Pipe