I have an old 46 SF that runs pretty good, I think.. I get about 11,200 with a 12.25x3.75 APC, my concern is that my needle valve is just a click or two above closed. Is this normal for this engine? This engine is very very old, bought somewhere in the late 80s (my Dad bought it for me, it was my first), but it still seems to run good. Just concered with the needle.

Omega 15%
OS F plug, tried a K&B 1L: no difference
12.25x3.75 APC

Its on a profile plane so the tank is RIGHT there...

Thanks

If the high-speed needle is barely open when the engine's properly-tuned, it usually means that the needle seat has been damaged at some time in the past. The only solution is a new carburetor body. The needle seat can become damaged if the high-speed needle's been tightened and not just closed, or if vibration has allowed the needle to move around. If you remove the needle, you'll likely see a shiny ring around part of the pointy part of the needle. That shows that the needle has had actual contact with the needle seat.