"Assuming the carbs are okay, that essentially just leaves the pistons/cylinders right? Slight gap in the piston/cylinder interface would let unburned gas in the piston leak down the cylinder walls into the crankcase over time. "
No, any gas that gets into the cylinder will get by even the best set of rings. It will pass through the end gaps, even if the rings are perfectly sealed to the cylinder walls.
No, any gas that gets into the cylinder will get by even the best set of rings. It will pass through the end gaps, even if the rings are perfectly sealed to the cylinder walls.