Spacebug fuel intake issue?

I recently found an old spacebug that belonged to my father, after setting out to restore it I ran into the issue of fuel intake and i’d like some feedback from some more experienced people.

Essentially, the engine burns off a prime and nothing else, my own research into this issue reveals that the tank isn’t leaking, and that the metal pipe and needle aren’t blocked at all.

The issue may lie in the fact that (because I had it mounted in place and not flying) the needle was facing the ground, but also possibly with the reeds? I’d appreciate any feedback, thanks!

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