R44
Hi Fracturelines,
I cant answer all of your questions but here is my contribution, as a pilot/ owner with 800hrs on my own machines.
Engine - Sounds very tired to me. They shouldn't leak. My 2008 Raven 22 uses a litre of oil every 4-5 hours. I have never had any plug fouling issues.
Cooling down - I run mine at 65%, which also assists in finding the 'cyclic sweet spot', for around a minute, maybe 2 if I have been hovering extensively when hot/ heavy. I just look for a drop in temps.
Unuseable fuel - Can you imagine Frank R, who doesn't even want the added weight of door trims and seat backs, designing a machine with a fuel system that requires you to carry around over 40lbs of gas? Nah.
My advice? Flog it and buy a better one. I think there are a few question marks over your machine and its maintenance history. I wonder if it has..ahem.. done more than the Datcon would have you believe?
Watch out for those Gorilla's, they are out there in the 'midst'.
Happy flying.
HP