Evinrude 1970 6 hp hard start/idle + no power

[45calmuzzleloader]

I got an Evinrude 1970 6 hp fisherman from a friend. Compression test reads 110 -115 psi both cylinders. I have put new impeller, head gasket, e10 friendly fuel pump, fuel lines, carb kit (removed/replaced the lead shots/freeze plug, sonic bath cleaned, and blew compressed air/solvent thru all passages) installed 2 new condensers and points. I have good strong spark with new spark plugs. Having a very hard time starting/running the thing. It will only fire up with the throttle set on "fast", it will not idle below "start". The low speed adjustment is set at 1 1/4 turns off the seat, the needle is not pointed but squared off and it has a machined step a 1/4" from the end of the needle, looks factory. The motor doesn't seem to have any power in the upper rpm's. While idling on "start" when I unplug the fuel hose and it starts running out of fuel the rpms pick up and purrs like a kitten. Also it takes a quick pull on the starter to get it to start. Should I pull the intake and check the reed valves?