Need to replace the gasket between crankcase and cylinder head (?)

[chandlerbingfl]

Asking for some input from the members here. I had previously posted about a broken bolt, possible gasket leak by the crankcase and cylinder head (at least that's what I've been told).

Would this kind of repair really require dropping the motor? Would it be possible to just undo things from top and work my way down? I thought I saw in the service or Manual (Red) that had a section on what can and can't be repaired without dropping the motor. I haven't been able to find that reference again so I thought I'd get the opinions of you guys and gals here.

Thanks in advance,
chandlerbingfl