Starting and Running Problem...

Everything is good and tight, slight ticking... but its from the one rocker going left to right... doesn't look like a problem though!!!

My only concern is now... I smell gas ALL the time, even when it is parked for a good 20min... There is even some slightly blue/white smoke when I first start her up. I know gas is leaking from the carb (could it be coming from somewhere else also?), but what is the best way to deal with this? Should I do a carb rebuild myself (if so, what is the best option?) or just purchase another sbc? Or could there be something else wrong now too?

Also, the fuel filter has went from a yellow to a almost blood red color... is this normal? Thanks for the help again!!!