Cliff

You MUST verify that the phenolic block is not warped... As I mentioned the next culprit is OVER-tightening the assembly. You don't need any additional sealer if the block is true on both sides and the gaskets are in good condition. Carbs rarely fail, but that does not mean that isn't your problem. Eliminate without doubt the pheniloc block before yo spend money on a carb.

You need more fuel because air is being sucked into the intake tract under the carb, it is no longer metered and requires additional fuel to be introduced to compensate, thus the 2-1/2 turns rich, ME thinks....