Edelbrock performer not performing

We used to say of a friend of mine that no one can slow down a record holding car like him. :D Anyway, you shouldn't take the butterflies out when you rebuild or clean a carb. First the screws are bradded over so the don't vibrate out and fall into your engine. Secondly because even if the blades are a little out of place they don't close right. My guess is the blades are out of place now.