DaViking is right on, any sealer on that valve cover gasket. All of my 216's leak oil from somewhere. It is how I can tell it has any
. I use indian head shellac on the head side of the valve cover gasket only to create a wall to stop the oil, that way I can still take the cover off without having to replace anything. Gas coming out of the carb could be a poorly adjusted float, it doesn't take much to mess that up. Don't give up on your 216. Remember these powered numerous army trucks across the Deserts of africa and across europe , they are workhorse engines. They just take some getting used to and oil seepage is one of those things.
Swapping the motor is expensive, and unless you are craving excess speed or power I would stick with the 216.
I have 3 running 216's, one early 235(bored out 216 basically) and they are all dependable engines. My 1952 216 engine in my 1949 3/4 ton has carried me to yellowstone and back from kansas, and it did great. I am running it all stock with a 1948 carter w-1 carb.
Hard starting happens, especially in the summer months when the carbs percolate(boil off) the fuel inside of them, then you are cranking the engine forever to re-prime the carb. Not much can avoid that. I did put about a 2' long spring around my fuel line. I picked it up in West yellowstone. it helps a bit with the hard starts when it has been sitting hot for awhile.
Sorry to ramble, You will figure it out.
