Did I read this correctly?? There is a crack in the cases?? Where might this be?? Did you repair the crack?? Someone correct me if I'm wrong but can't the transmission oil can be sucked through a crack into the crankcase causing what would seem to be a rich issue? What does your plug look like??
I had a similar problem with a late 90's blaster, it would start up on the first kick but die as soon as it fired off. Turned out that there was a hole in the in the cases around the crank and it would suck in the oil from the transmission. The spark plug would be dripping with oil.
I'd be looking a the crack, depending on where it is. Put the filter back in, top ends are not cheap!!!