Uh, Dave,

Sorry, but this is a bushed engine. The only thing in front of the bronze bushing in the case is a thrust washer, drive washer, prop washer and prop nut.

Lightning Fan,

You have a leak somewhere. The needle valve should have an o-ring to seal it; if it is messed up simply use a short piece of silicone fuel tubing on the needle to make the seal. Make sure the needle valve assembly is securely attached to the carb, you might have a leak on the fuel inlet barb that swivels until it is tight. The carb should have a gasket between it and the case, if not then use some silicone gasket maker to seal it after it is throughly cleaned. Use the silicone sparingly! Further, the rear cover has a gasket, too...if it is missing silicone works there, too...sparingly! In either case, let the silicone dry overnight before running it! After that, check all screws for uniform torque/tighness. There's not much else that could be wrong with it after that IMO.

Good luck!