Thanks guys,
2. i can understand that, worth a check.
3. the fuel line rotted, i repaired it, then the fuel pump went out, replaced it(twice, first new one was DOA), then carb got gunked up, so i had to rebuild it.
4. i really do believe this to be the case. i've been looking for someone around here. otherwise, learning all i can while the search continues.
5. i've read about bad power valves, even new. it def would be my luck at this point! haha!
Gary, i took the screw out. the new gasket i put on after the rebuild caused the leak. took the new gasket off, because the riser has a rubber gasket, and everything was fine after. i've apparently never used that vaccuum port for anything before. as it is now back to like it was. i'm not sure what vacuum i'm using. i can figure it out pretty quick though.