Jeff,
the top of the manifold looks fine. The blue silicone sealant was found on the two out of the three layers of the carb. I imagine that the previous owner may have had either a. a vacuum leak or b. something warped. If there was a vacuum leak, then it could have backfired due to the lean condition. the kit that I used to refresh the carb, did not come with the lower gasket, just the two that go between the layers. Thats why I was thinking of maybe making my own...the old one is in good shape as far as using it for a template goes. (I was thinking of just adding the homemade gasket on top [or below] the old one)
whaddaya think?
-Larry (like a walrus, hoping for a tight seal)

[This message has been edited by Larry Delor (edited 04-13-2000).]