From what I see on RealOEM fiche, the small o-rings were introduced in production month 7/1976 with the /7 series.
If you don't have them, I would put them in.
Make sure there is a space for them (not sure if it is on the block or the cylinder, and after reassembly, but BEFORE putting the valve covers on, remove the spark plugs, stick them in the caps, laying on the cylinders (grounded), and turn the engine over with the starter motor until you see oil coming out of the rocker towers. This last part is a given after doing any major or unusual work on the engine!
These are the only pictures I have from when I had the heads refurbished on the 1980 engine I had in my bike at the time. It looks like most of the recess is in the cylinder. Can't really tell about the case.
But you can!


