Check the float in the carburetor. Take it out, and allow it to float over night, in a can with gasoline in it-enough to allow it to float and not touch the bottom of the can. 3 inches should do. If it is on the bottom of the can--and full of gas, install a new float!
Also, if you are seeing a lot of dirt in the carb bowl, check the fuel tank for collected dirt inside it. The fuel filter should also be changed if it looks dirty inside. Then check your gas can for dirt and condensation, too. Poke a pin in the gas cap breather hole-might be a bug egg in it.

Yes, check the float, and the needle valve, and the seat where the needle valve applies itself to shut off the flow of incoming fuel.
The flooding is due to a defect in one or more of those items.
You did OK in checking the Main jet sump for debris build-up but debris in the bottom of the bowl does dot CAUSE the flooding condition.
An accumulation of "large pieces of debris" might indicate a problem upstream that is feeding the material into the fuel pump and on to the float bowl.
Finding large debris in the bowl should always be followed by arbitrarily replacing the fuel filter (because it might have a breach) and at least the fuel hose running from the filter to the carb inlet (because the hose interior walls might be flaking, hence the debris.
Finding large debris in the bowl also means the fuel pump itself could have junk in it.
Large debris can become trapped in the needle and seat causing the carb to over fuel, but usually a condition like you are experiencing (absolute drowning with fuel) is caused by a defect in the float or needle & seat.

above advice is excellent, imho. Also work to find the root source of your "dirty" fuel.. could be from inside of fuel tank - may be your gas can or even the source where you purchase fuel.

These small carbs are not very tolerant of dirt - which can cause all manner of engine operational malfunctions. Gotta get that entire fuel supply system cleaned out and keep it that way. Good luck.

Thank's guys for the timely replies!

O.K. couple of questions. In the manual on page 53 it shows the diagram of the carb. manifold etc. It lists #358 as Gasket Set #861 as Pump Repair Kit & #121 as Carburetor Kit. Should I purchase any or all of these before removing the carburetor?

I've never worked on any kind of carburetor before but it seems like I heard that when working on one and after removing it you have to replace the gaskets, etc. True?

Also, is there a certain process I have to go through to check the float and needle valve and seat. In other words, do I just remove the whole carb. from the manifold and continue from there or is removing it necessary to get to the float and needle valve and seat?

Thanks again for your help!

victor2232

It is always safer to have the gaskets on hand than to wait and see if something tears (or is already flaky).
Do yourself a big favor before you remove the carb and begin disassembly of the carb.
Use a camera (digital if possible) and shoot lots of pictures of the carb from all different angles. Try to close in on things like cable connections and other pieces that attach to the carb. Then as you actually start to disassemble things, in addition to shooting pictures as you continue taking things apart, put tape labels or wire tag labels on pieces indicating where/when it was removed.
Make notes as you go.
Do the disassembling of the carb inside the confines of a large baking pan with raised sides (not a flat cookie sheet)
so rolling or sliding pieces can't escape.
Be very careful, you will be messin' with gasoline and carb cleaner.............highly flammable stuff.