Thanks to all for the info.

With regards to the cooling, I probably should have mentioned that the thermostat was the first thing that I replaced. I have also subsequently been informed that there is enough pressure in a capped cooling system to significantly raise the boiling temp, and perhaps the only reason the coolant boiled over when the engine was shut off was because the cap was off.

I'm confident that regardless of what the temperature gauge says, that the coolant temperature is holding steady now, but I would like to test it in boiling water as suggested (I was thinking about suspending it in an elelctric kettle) to see how accurate the needle is. However, the problem is that I can't disconnect the wire from the sensor, which has to be done to get a socket on it. Any thoughts? Is it supposed to be a permanent connection?

Are there instructions on how to adjust/calibrate the needle? I have no fear of my mechanical ability, this is just the first liquid cooled engine that I've had to work on.

As far as the oil leak at the fuel pump goes, it is definitely not the gaskets. There is no trace of oil at the block. It would be leaking out the breather hole at the bottom of the pump. I'll look into the crankcase pressure.

thanks again.