Hi Arnstein, the fuel pump was one of the first things I changed when the problem started. I replaced the original pump during the horror nine months that occurred not long after I purchased the engine, so the 2nd pump (with the seat inserts) had done quite a bit of work by the time this problem reared it's head.
I haven't found a regulator position I'm happy with yet, but 2 or more turns out from flush seems to be where the engine is reasonable.
As it sits in the plane today, the only original parts left are:
Crankcase
Crankshaft
Cam, cam cover and valve lifters
Valve rockers and exhaust pushrod
Valve cover
Throttle body, butterfly and main needle valve
Seriously, that's all that is left from the original engine I purchased in 2009. Talk about getting nickled and dimed!
I am tempted to bolt it to a bench and flog it...