The float height may be out but it really shouldnt stop it from starting...you could always switch the tap off when the carb is full. It may be that the throttle stop screw (the knurled one) isnt in far enough to allow air through, especially as the carb has been stripped.
as for float height adjustment
dont try doing it with the carb fully inverted because the weight of the float will push down the spring loaded pin in the needle valve, rather...turn the carb on its axis just until the float touches the pin without pressing on it and then measure the distance from the float bottom to the surface the gasket mates to on the carb body (below the gasket with the carb inverted), you will see a cut-out notch in the flange to aid measurement. Remove the float if adjustment is needed and bend the central tab slightly to achieve the correct measurement.
This may give you an idea but use the measurement given for yours