Hello Jack!!!
I detect a note of Zenith-Stromberg Phobia creeping into this
discussion, but then I'm virtually alone on the 'Board in NOT
genuflecting at the Shrine of SU. Incidentally, the correct needle
for a '69 164 is code B1R. I assume that your wrench has checked
the condition of the rubber diaphragms in each carb???
The '69 manifold has several threaded vacuum tappings; are
the unused ones well-plugged??? There is a bolted cover-plate
in the center of the manifold; is it sealed with the proper
gasket (PN# 430213)??? Could your power-brake booster have a
ruptured diaphragm??? Your man should plug the booster manifold
tapping, then re-test vacuum.
But then . . . all of the above is problematic, since you say
the Swede ran fine BEFORE this Great Tribulation started. What
could have happened at this 'experts' establishment to cast you
down into The Pit of Woe??? There is no way of knowing--you are
hundreds of miles away and without a clue.
Jack, the brutal truth is that there are NO third-party experts
on these cars. You can't hire it done. Whatever 'experts' there once
were are dead, in rehab, or living well in one of those excellent
state-run nursing homes in Sweden (Americans--take note). Or, as
someone pointed out concerning the valve settings, they want to apply
'Detroit' knowledge to these machines; Saints Preserve Us from the
small-block Chevy yokels. TRIVIA TIME: did'ya know that the B-30
has more main-bearing surface area than a S.B.C.???
Think even IPD knows a lot??? They were totally ignorant of
the fact that the 164 (and '74 140) have a FILTER (PN# 681461) in the
bottom of the steering reservoir, till I pointed it out to them
a couple of years ago.
Jack, when--and if--you ever get your Swede back in running
order, and you want to keep it, you must put in the time, study,
and smashed fingers to become your OWN expert, in your OWN driveway,
with your OWN tools. Then, you won't have to solicit advice from
rambling blowhards like myself.
Best of luck, and if we ever pass on the highway, flash your
lights!!!

Gary in Arizona; '69 & '71 164's.