Thanks for the update, Mick. While it can be worthwhile spending time on manufacture and development of a part for a rare antique or vintage engine, we only do it because there is no other way to get the engine working, and it is a special engine, the preservation of which is important. As you know, your engine is useful but not rare or special, and furthermore, second-hand parts for it should not be difficult to get at reasonable prices.
Like many of us, I have in the past spent ridiculous amounts of time trying to avoid paying less than $5 for a part (usually a car part) I could have bought from a wrecker. My home-made parts were sometimes less reliable than the real thing, and I was always worried that they might be, even if they weren't in practice. In my opinion there are much better ways for you to invest your time - but it is your time, and your choice.
