ok, I got the carb completely apart and rebuilt/replaced everything and feel good about it,
but now I am having problems getting the top on because of alignment issues with the primary and 2ndary metering rods. any suggestions with this?

 

Remove the little screw that holds the secondary rods hanger, and pull the rods up and off. After the carb is all together, drop the rods down into place and reinstall the screw.