I've tried making a gasket. Bolts kept coming loose. Cut a small slot in the upper half of the intake 1/4" x .060". That way you can get a screw driver between the half's, otherwise very difficult to pry the top off with RTV. I pump the accelerator 3 times, let it set 30-45 seconds, then 1 pump and crank with ignition on, starts pretty easy unless 50 or below. Then through a fender cover over the carbs when it starts yank it off.
Doug