302 won't idle

I got the 78 skitique with the 302 running. A bit of background can be found in my intro thread in gd "new cc owner". I can't get idle to steady below 2000 rpm. If it gets any lowerit surges back to like 2500 rpm. In general it's surging and fading. Just wondering if anyone has an idea tof what's wrong. Carb 4160 was cleaned the best I could but the primary bowl wouldn't come off because of a stuck screw. probably going to rebuild unless I find something simple I'm missing, just don't want more down time. I have adjusted idle screws and timing is set. Engine was running goodfiive years ago and have just brought it back from dead. starts on its own andI won't be using any more starter fluid. Thanks guys.

That's what it seems like is a vacuum leak. As far as I can see the only vacuum port is for the pcv valve which is good. Where else could a vacuum leak be? New wires, plugs point s and condensor, coil. Timing is set, will research dwell.

Bad carb gasket, and spacer gasket. Should have been obvious but I'm blaming the sun going down earlier every night(of course the four bolt hole gaskets from Napa wouldn't work no matter how nice and thick and special order it is). Heard for the first time that wonderful deep gargle at idle in the backyard. Now that I'm thoroughly educated on carburetors I'm moving on to some boating this weekend as long as I get all these other issues fixed. Any tips for a first time in the water? Not going to do much cosmetically until the seasons over. Can I run it with out a front cowl and blowers on for a few days this season? It was lost by PO and I can make something but time is of the essence.