holley problems

Is it possible you have a sinking float?

Could the float pivots be worn, bent, sloppy, and causing the float to bind?

I've actually forgotten--been awhile---does it have a "float drop" spec?

This would be a bendable tab that STOPS the float from dropping too far, which allows the needle to bind

and, as others have said, CLEAN. Use a good filter, blow you the lines if any suspicion, might even pump a sample into a gallon jug and look for fine dirt.