OK, here's what I figured out last night. The float level according to the manuals setting was 10mm too deep. So I adjusted it according to the book. It didn't even allow fuel in. I was kicking for a min or 2, pulled sediment plug and it was dry. Went back, double checked measurement.
So then, I noticed that when the carb is upside down, the weight of the floats will compress the little pin in the needleseat. Not sure if that's supposed to happen. Weak spring in there??
So I easily tilted carb to the side, just enough for pressure to relieve off of little pin. set that to 9.5mm. Hooked up fuel line with carb level and got some fuel to feed bowl (I kept sediment plug out to see if fuel came out).
My dilemma here is, if I have float level too lean, I stand a good chance of leaning it out and melting my new topend. Too rich I just get the bog again. At least it's well lubricated.
The only other option I have is to try and track down, buy....whatever... the actual gauge used to set them.
This is Killing me. I want a Holley, DAMMIT!.
Update:
I found out after extensive interenet research, the small pin on the needel seat cannot be depressed. You actually have to hold carb at an angle to where the floats are slightly released from pin but tang is still touching. So this means I'm about 2mm off. So, I'll be back at tonite after we get get back from a practice on the 250.