Hi... and welcome!
No, the tail rod should not be touching the fan shroud at all. If you have the ball on the top, then I would check that you have the correct distance on the tail servo horn. At the tail extremes it will be close to the shroud... But not touching.
Also, you are able to rotate the carburetor by loosening the retainer screw on the side of the engine.
Cheers,
Mark