Um, well my engine arrived with some assembly required. I took the opportunity to clean out all the shipping debris and since the carb was not attached, had a good look at how things were there too.
Sorry, I neverfound outhow it would run if I had left it as is. Just thought since you mentioned it, I would let you know it is a good thing to check out for sure.
My guess, is that with one or both reeds not allowed to completely close would cause the engine to run like crap
Seems like there might be some blow back if a reed was not closing. Do you notice any fuel spray behind the carb?
Keep us posted. I'm sure you'll love this engine once it gets sorted out..