Been meaning to upload results. I got it all back together, tried to start it, and the key that holds the flywheel onto the driveshaft came loose, and then the flywheel wouldn't come loose! Had to go get a gear puller, and then get creative to get something under the flywheel to pull from. Crimped two loops on the end of a short piece of cable and was able to pull it off.
Refilled the tank, tightened down some connections in the fuel line where it was leaking, and the first pull she started spitting!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3y_Po1l76U
Not at all happy with the paint job. I cleaned everything thoroughly and primed and painted with high-temp automotive paint, but it is flaking off with just a little handling. Not interested in tearing it all back down right now, and it is purdier than it was before. I have to remove some of the thickness in the starboard clamping board I glued to the transom before I can get it on and go for a spin.
As you can see in the video, it certainly isn't compliant with today's emission standards. The condition of the water in the bucket after running for just about 5 minutes also confirms the way the lower unit lubrication is based on achieving an oil water emulsion...
The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before - Neil Gaiman