Agree with that. Chances are the carb is fine. If you had a warped top plate from over-tightening or heat, you would have backfiring during warm-up.

You have accurately described the inline fuel filter.

The idle dashpot is on the fender side of the carb, in front. I you look to the rear of it, you will see the rod, that pushes out and contacts the throttle lever. The theory behind this, which we did not explain very well, is that as idle drops, so does the vacuum that hold the rod in. The spring then pushes the rod against the the throttle and opens it a bit so that the engine does not die. Then as vacuum increases, the rod is pulled back a bit. The trick is to get the rod adjusted so that it pushes just the right amount on the throttle lever.

One useful test is to get a MityVac, and test to make sure the dashpot holds vacuum.

But as Rob mentions, you should make sure that the vacuum lines are hooked up correctly, and that none are broken.

The thick gasket between the carb and the manifold is famous for leaking. I suggest getting a spray can of carb cleaner, and spraying it around the base of the carb - use the little red tube - with the enigne idling. If you get an increase in idle speed, then you need a new gasket.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe