my dirt bike dies whenever I go through a river. The water probably is killing the spark as the ignition gets wet. Geez, I hate it when my bike quits in the middle of a river!
this post may be late but just use gasket sealer. on both sides of your gasket. and on all your gaskets.
don't cut any holes. water will get in there after awhile of riding through puddles of rain/slush.