Wow thanks fellows for such prompt responses; however I found it on my own shortly after writing the post after a little harder look. I still appreciate the diligence though, and any future advice I’m grateful for.
Carbs I've tuned in the past have usually have had the mixture screws on the bottom; that's what confused me (and the Clymer was of no help). 2 Suzuki’s and even a Harley had them on the bottom, but I guess I still have a lot to learn.
Nevertheless, I turned it out half a turn, then a full turn, then two full turns, and then it got hard to turn after 2.5 turns. It runs the same no matter where I put it. I even tightened it all the way down, and it still ran the same (but way too lean and smoking). Thus I've set it back to where it was at about 2 turns CCW. I guess I was wrong on that virgin thing as the plug was already removed before I got to it.
I really didn’t want to have to do it, but it looks like the carb will have to come off if this issues ever gonna get corrected. At least it’s only one carb . It’s been so many years since I’ve monkeyed with a carb in depth. I’m a little lost. The bike opens up real well; it’s just cruisin’ at 45mph in 5th gear that causes her to stumble. If I pop that choke out a notch she’s fine though; depressing.
BTW Verslagen, thanks for your hard work on the cam tensioner mod. Mine was just about to pop when I caught it and took it to the welder for an extension and a second hole. I would have been cryin’ if that thing would’ve come out. I really appreciate the insight.
Routy, thanks for the direction.
Any more suggestions on the carb will be seriously considered.
This website
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/motorcycle_jet_kits_carburetion/index.html has cleaned off some of my rust, and I’ve got the throttle all marked with masking tape with ¼ gradations and the grip marked with an indicator, as is suggested, ready for my next ride to determine which part of the circuit needs tweakin’.