Carb Questions for '82 Honda 7.5 HP 4 -Stroke

[SailorManMike]

I'm having the basic trouble that the engine will only run with the choke most of the way on and then won't idle unless over choked without cutting out right away. I've cleaned the carb and main jet with no change. Idle port seems clean, but idle needle valve doesn't seem to change anything. <br /><br />Fuel pump & filter ok, but fuel hose drips slightly at the motor connect. Carb bowl always seems to have plenty of gas. Could even a small air leak in the fuel line to motor chassis connection external to the motor case cause a major run problem?<br /><br />Anyone ever find out where to get the fuel hose for Honda 7.5 hp?<br /><br />Might be other vent holes plugged,how many should there be?<br /><br />I notice that it has one needle valve which appears to be the idle and another place for one, but a plug is in the hole instead of a needle valve. Is this standard? Did the last repair guy loose the high speed needle and replace it with a plug that happened to fit the threads?<br /><br />What is the basic idle needle starting point, like, 1 turn out from all closed?<br /><br />If a high speed needle should be present, what starting point should I use when I get one? Where can I find one.<br /><br />Thanks for the help!