I have a set of PMO carbs and I am checking the float levels. PMO carbs use IDF floats. When the float rises the main part of the needle closes first then if you push a little harder a little ball or something pushes in the needle body. Do I set the float height when the needle body first closes or when I push harder and the little ball part also closes? PMO’s instructions say hold the carb top vertically and let the floats hang and measure then. If I do that just the needle body closes and not the little ball part.

Exactly as the instructions say, the needle seats and stops fuel flow.
The spring loaded ball is just to allow for the float to move some with vibration and fuel slosh.

Jim