Wow this has been a journey. Looks like you're doing great though. I'm with you on the ez outs. The buggers promise the world and then treat you like crap. Always hiding in the tool box, calling my name. 😀

That could have been the problem with the gasket, but it was not a material that im used to seeing a gasket made out of, it was not like gasket material, was like paper but plastic coated or something, but not rubber. In fact its exactly like the one that came off of it that green color. I was surprised it started so easily after sitting so long and stuck engine. Its certainly come a long way, the oil is starting to look milky again so their was still water in the engine that didn't come out when I drained it, I v got to add a couple of quarts run it a little and then change it again, its looking promising if it will move, hadn't tried. that yet.

Got the new gasket installed on Saturday, aftermarket didn't quite fit only missed it by 5mm, I made it work but don't feels real secure, if it leaks I will get an OEM one, hadn't got it all back together yet but I torqued the bolts and had to know, shot a couple of shots of carb cleaner in the intake, fired right up first rotation, didn't run very long but it did run. When I get everything back together with gas I can tell more about it. IMG_3629.mov

Looks like you'll be ready for a test ride soon!

Th gasket seems to be holding for now, but I did have a small oil leak at the oil cooler connection, I knew it was a potential problem area when I installed the new filter housingI didn't replace the copper gaskets thought they would reseal and they may have if I would have had a 23mm socket to get them tight enough. Got them out, reinstalled using Honda Bond #4 on the threads, I couldn't find my Yamabond. Scrounged around and found a 23mm box end, worked perfectly. The bottom one was so close to the frame rail couldn't use much else. Should have put them on before I installed the housing , but thought I could get them tighter one it was installed. Not high tech stuff, but might help someone that has to do this.

Big paper gaskets often shrink or expand. If they are too big when you go to fit them you dry them out in the sun or in front of a heater. If they are too small when you go to fit them you steam them a little over a kettle.