Just wanted to close the loop. I did end up cleaning the carburetor because a buddy loaned me his ultrasonic cleaner. Cleaned it for 45 minutes (after removing the bowl, float, metering needle, main jet, emulsion tube, and pilot cap screw.
Read mixed reviews on using Purple Power, Simple Green, etc. as they may etch the aluminum. I ended up cleaning the parts with water and dish washing soap. The cleaner did heat the water to 145 degrees.
It was amazing what started coming out of the carburetor, clouds and clouds of debris. I rinsed the parts off with water and blew them dry with compressed air.
Reinstalled the carb with 4 new gaskets and fired it up.
Runs like a beast! Can run unchoked with no surging or stalling.
Thanks for all the help!