'1975 15 hp carbeurator question

Got my 15hp kicker running but seems to die at high RPMs and stall out at low rpms. Figure I need to clean and replace parts as required in the carb. All the posts talk about adjusting the slow speed needle, but my needle will not move without putting pliers on it. Is it supposed to be able to be adjusted with fingers. Also, on some of the parts sites there is a "carb repair kit". Can anyone tell me what you get with this? Are there parts that I will need to replace just be breaking the integrity of the carb.
Appreciate any insight- first time taking on the carb.

Re: '75 15 hp carbeurator question

The carb repair kit has all the parts you need to rebuild your carb. plus some parts will be left over. most kits are made to rebuild more than one type of carb. The carb screw can be very hard to turn, It has red plastic packing around it so it wan't back out easy.

Re: '75 15 hp carbeurator question

How do you know it is "lightly seeded" to then back out 1 1/2 turn?. Everyone says don't over seed or you can damage the needle. Is this by feel or something you can see when you remove the carb?

Re: '75 15 hp carbeurator question

It's by feel. It will get tight as you screw it in.