Wiser guys will be along, but my own advice is to spring for a new gasket, you can't lose anything. But you should be able to see pretty easily how the valves and seats look. Make sure to use fresh gas.
I lived a year on the Little Fall Creek Road! about 20 years ago...

Karl


It may not be the easy way, but it is the Cowboy Way - Ranger Doug
Beware of the stories you read or tell; subtly, at night, beneath the waters of consciousness, they are altering your world. - Ben Okri
1953 Chevy 3100
1960 Volvo PV 544
1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe