the gasket looks good, i made sure the casebolts were tight before screwing on the standoffs.
ORIGINAL: karmann34
WOW! Sounds like you've tried just about everything.
If possible,see ifthe reeds are sitting flat against the reed block. Mine were off a bit on one side due to the screws that hold them on causing some small amount of lift. A few passes over a peice of wet and dry on plate glass and the reedsare sitting flat for a good seal. I sanded the reed block flat. You may be fine, but seems like it would be worth a check.
Good luck.
I will look at the reeds and the reed block today.....thanks...
what was the symptoms of your engine before you made this repair.....