To the OP

Had a similar experience with a G-62 some years back, So while you have the carb off and before you open it up, take a single wire out of a wire brush ben a short 90, one end and check the needle bleed holes, (long story, but I found what appeared to be a half circle sliver) the wire would not go in the hi speed hole. and after pulling the aluminum plug and removing the piece and re assembling the engine has run great ever sense.

Got the idea from a small engine shop and they told me it was not an uncommon thing

Cheers Bob T
AMA13377