That's actually pretty funny, because I could not figure out why the d#*n thing would run so well with the choke on, even after it got hot. That's ok, at least now I know. I had to take the carb apart anyway, since suddenly there did not appear to be gas getting to the cylinder. The carb actually looked pretty good inside, although it doesn't take much to clog one of those jets. I have all the parts soaking in carb cleaner and am planning to put it back together hopefully tomorrow night. The whole taking-the carb-apart-and-putting-it-back-together-thing makes me nervous because I have always considered carbueretors and their workings some sort of black-magic voodoo. Maybe I'll throw some chicken bones for luck before the reassembly begins.

 

I always pray to the Carb Gods that they will help me in cleaning up there magical devise(s) that are not working propley anymore due to abuse from the Dirt Witch.

 

So here's the latest. (STILL waiting for my service manual. Quick shipping my a$$) I got the carb reassembled and put it back in. The trike fired right up and seemed to idle pretty well, but I think it's running a bit rich, because if you give it lots of throttle it seems to rev up just fine, but, if you only give it a tiny bit of throttle, it kind of bogs and sputters until you squeeze the throttle a little more. Checked the plug and it's a bit sooty, but not overly so (it wasn't a new plug, though, so some of it could have been prior depositing. will get a new plug tonight and check it again).
So here are my questions :
1) Do the symptoms I'm describing sound like it's running rich? If not, any suggestions as to what it might be?
2) If I want to adjust the fuel-air mixture, should I be adjusting the position of the clip on the needle jet or changing the mixture screw on the bottom of the bowl. What is the difference?
Again, thanks everyone for all your help so far.

 

Never mind that question, I believe I found the answer. The position of the air-mixture screw on the bottom affects the fuel-air mixture at idle. The position of the clip on the needle jet adjusts the fuel-air mixture when the throttle is "activated". Yes?

 

Yep, heres a good article on jetting, and gives the symptoms of lean and rich running.
jetting

 

Thanks hondabuster, the jetting article was really helpful.
Here's the latest progress. Messed around with the idle speed and the fuel air mixture screw until it idles decently, but still not great. Idles kind of unevenly. Will idle high, then drop way down low, then high again. However, I discovered that the pilot air screw is missing it's washer (little rubber o-ring was there, but no washer), so I'm wondering if that might not be the cause of my problem. Will get new washer and see if that helps. Otherwise, trike runs great. Good smooth acceleration through all rpm's, including right off the start. Just need to get the idle dialed in.
Still no service manual. Good thing I didn't order a kidney.