Sometimes when the gas in the float chamber evaporates, the residue on the needle jet can glue it on to the seat. I think this is a modern gas phenomena. When this happens pushing the float down with the tickler doesn't have any effect. The next time pushing the tickler down doesn't have any effect take the float cover off and see if the needle is stuck in the closed position.Thanks both for the info...will check the fuel level.
The tickler seemed to stop functioning correctly; it won't seep gas out the top when depressed. When I saw how the tickler barely touched the float, I figured maybe it has a problem.
Just to follow up, the brass needle seems to allow more movement, and the tickler gets a nice push on the float. Odd, because it seems just about the same length.