Morning Rob
Well I've had some success finally. I'm hoping this will get me moveable for the short term as I just ordered a new kit from Midwest Military.
Going through the TM was absolutely helpful in understanding the different circuit flows and cleaning (again and again) along the flow paths a few more times. I still can't definitively say I did anything different or a visible piece of gunk was dislodged....I'll take the win anyways. One thing I found funny in measuring the 3 metering rods I have (original, new kit and parts carb) and all 3 measure differently at 1.346, 1.319 and 1.356 respectively. Idle is good but it stumbles if I give it too much gas. I have the 1.356 rod in it now and may try the others.
I'm getting mixed opinions on the laminated base gasket...is it supposed to be solid or have 4 slots cut out, or have the V-shaped diffuser below? I'm using the solid one that came with the kit.
Update: Took her out for a test run and after only a few miles it really started to run/idle great. Too many ice creams will go down range now that the Mrs and me can go cruising again
I'll install a filter as suggested.