ORIGINAL: SeamusG
Junk from the tank being pushed into the high speed needle is a candidate.
Compromised fuel lines (kinks perhaps) is a candidate as the fuel tank has been removed and replaced.
If the high speed needle has been removed it is possible that the o-ring has been compromised.
Junk may have entered into the carburetor throat that might compromise fuel / air flow.
+10 on the above!
Most likely situation given the descriptions...