that really sucks.
That problem, with the brass float, that is an inspection problem, if it wasn't done right... that's what happens!
As far as staying current with carbs... ahhh.... with so many companies selling out, Precision, Unison [selling Slick Mags to Champion], and so many FAA PMA manufacturers... its really hard, to be current to the NEWEST of the NEW.
Instead of looking for the NEWEST stuff on the market, look for something durable.
Here is a perfect example:
Slick Magnetos: excellent design, really nice to work on. BUT the new production models, eg 4309/4310. Those two are horrible. The drive that comes with that particular magneto type is suceptable to cracking, damage, est, ALL Slick 4300 and 6300, have 2 major problem, especially the new ones. The cam and the carbon brush. Recently Slick came out with an SB, that stated that if you've had a recently repaired or NEW magneto, you should be checking the Carbon Brush EVERY 25 hours until 50, every 50 hours until 250, and then if you still have a brush, every 100 until 500, at which point you automatically replace the brush.
There are 2 basic and very simple solutions for those 2 problems. get a new mag every 25 hours
or make sure that your mag was well built. I took apart a mag, fresh from the manufacturer, it was so poorly built, that its just not funny any more.
I still don't understand why so many people went for these kits, that basicly take away a perfectly good, very durable Bendix Mag and give you a crappy Slick? When I take a Bendix mag apart I look for what's bad. When I look at a Slick, I try to find what's good.
I got side tracked a little, but look, if you want your engine to work, and to work like it should, rather than complaining about this and that, get it to a good shop that has experience in doing the stuff. I mean, I am honoured to be working with a mechanic that has more than 50 years working on engines, carbs, mags and anything else you can dream of. I mean I've learned more from him, in 8 months, than I did in college in 2 years, or before that with a specialty turbine shop.
Anyhow. I hope I didn't rub anyone the wrong way.