well during the taredown we lost the crankcase gasket and did not replace it but pops says its ok. im not the mechanic, but i understand how it works, kinda. as far as the base gasket, we made one out of 3 layers of manilla folder file cut to match and indian head on the base, in between each layer of manilla and on the bottom of the jug for a good seal. dont think that is the issue as we cant get the dern thingy off now...IT'S ON THERE!!
and tried a few different fuel mixtures first thing to eliminate that issue. also moved the needle in the carb to several positions to see if that would do it too but no good. Even took the carb off and put it on another MB and tuned it just fine, took it to work 3 nights since and not 1 problem other than cold start...that sux BTW...