I am having trouble keeping it running, runs really rough with lots of backfiring, it will only keep running if the choke is on, sounds like some sort of a carb problem to me. Wanted some of your opinions on what you would do first. Thanks for the help!

 

First off, I'd change the spark plug, either clean and oil the air filter or just buy a new one. Then I'd make sure there isn't any garbage in tank and that the petcock on the tank is flowing properly. I'd go buy a service manual if I didn't have one. Now, I may be wrong on this, but in my experience if it's backfiring it's more of an ignition issue than a fuel delivery issue. Use the service manual and test out the ignition system, make sure you're getting the proper voltages and such and verify that the timing is set properly. If all that doesn't work, then I'd tear the carb apart and run a nozzle cleaner through all the jets and ports.

 

If it runs with the choke on and dies when the choke goes off....its the idle circuit...most likely the pilot jet is blocked with crud. Drop the float bowl on the carb, and pull out the pilot jet, and look thru it, like looking thru a straw..you should be able to see light come thru. If compressed air doesnt clean it out, use a small wire, to push out the blockage. Sometimes it can be very hardened, and in that case, get a new pilot jet for it. They run about 5 bucks.
In this case, the backfire is from lean conditions.

 

Thanks for the replys, hondabuster you were right it was the slow speed jet that was blocked, I blew it out with air and now she runs great. I sure didnt want to take it to the dealer, high labor rates and they somtimes seem to screw up more than they fix. Thanks again guys.