1. No it is a cast iron piston with steel sleeve, use 100% castor fuel, but other wise it operates about the same as and ABC engine..

2. No it is a bushing engine, but I have never seen one worn out.

3. Yes and it doesn't really need a backplate.

4. No not really, just be sure to get the crankpin into the connecting rod. Not hard to do if you position them at BDC.

5. That is for timed crankcase pressure. Each time the rotery valve passes over it crankcase pressure is used to pressurize the fuel tank. Not sure of the value of being timed. Regardless you won't need it.