50 hp Force Carbruetor: question

[Johnny]

I just purchased a replacement motor for my 16' bass boat.
The motor that went bad was a 1988 Force 35hp.
I found a duplicate one just like it and got it installed. It was MUCH heavier than the one I took off.
(it had been laying on a garage floor for a year)
to my amazement, it fired up on the first crank !!!
BUT - it only ran long enough to burn the fuel in the carb bowl.
Indicating a poor fuel supply or sticky float.

Upon looking at the shop manual, this motor has all the markings and indications
that it is a 50 hp, not a 35. WOW - I am thinking I got a bonus here !!!
(it has a 35hp cowl - but appears to be a 50hp)

anyway, took off the carb and it was kinda gummy.
turned it sideways and fuel ran out of the top hole on the starboard side of the carb.

I have only had a 25hp Johnson the past 20 years and don't remember fuel coming out of
this hole..... it had a small lead shot in it to plug it.

Could the P/O have forgotten to plug this hole when he did the carb rebuild ??
or - is it supposed to be open ?? I forget. and the manual I have doesn't give the carb rebuild indepth instructions.

I guess after I clean it up tomorrow I could plug the hole with a stick and see if it makes a difference.
But, would rather have it as it is supposed to be.

Photo is not the carb I have - Just a representative subject I pulled off of e-bay.

 

[Pappy]

It is a vent for the float chamber. Not all carbs are alike and the vents will be in different places.

 

[Johnny]

Thanks Pap -
with a good cleaning and some control cable adjustments from the boat's 35hp to the replacement 50hp
it runs pretty smooth.
I guess the seller just went by the info from the seller he got it from..... but it is indeed a 50hp with a 35 cowl.
The ID tag is gone so I will have to dig around on it to find out what year it is.
Thanks