So, a few observations I made when looking at the stripped carburetor:
- Float adjustment was out, not bad but not great. Also whoever adjusted it just twisted it so the dot lined up. The outside edge was correct, the inside edge sat about 1/4 inch higher... Not ideal. Also the old float seemed to have deteriorated and had something rattling in it. Replaced.
- I cleaned and lubricated the Power valve piston, seems to be fine so I didn't replace
- There was some gunk under the power valve jet itself but otherwise, the inside of the carb was surprisingly clean given how bad it ran. I've rebuilt much worse that ran much better...
- Main jets are proper to the carb for the engine
- Accelerator pump was pretty worn. Not horribly worn but enough. I also noted it was the design without the check ball and retainer under the pump
- Idle mixture screw was pretty bent up, kit came with a new one so I replaced it as well.
Once I slapped it all back together I left the idle mixture two turns out, adjusted the choke unloader and slapped it in. Primed the fuel pump, checked for leaks and confirmed which base gasket was the one to use (2 hole in my case) popped right off and idled. Let it warm all the way up and locked it into base mode. Checked and set Idle RPMs, mixture, then confirmed timing.
Idle is still slightly rich... but with a flashlight (it's dark out) I no longer see a sheen in the water from running and my eyes no longer burn being near it despite no winds and high humidity. RPMs come up clean now, no stumble or anything and even slight changes in throttle are smooth and not jumping or pulsing up and down like they were.
Bay test tomorrow to confirm and hopefully I pick back up the 2 mph I lost between my last two rides... But I am not holding my breath on that one.
I think it is good to go gents, will report back after a bay test. I appreciate the input.