The tip of my sparkplug is white. does that mean its running lean?

 

yes

 

what is the base ring look like?

 

Your plug tip should be tan when you get it where it should be.

 

you should have a tan tip if your talking about the electrode. if thats white your running way to lean. does the machine back fire when you let off the gas? maybe your carb. is restricting the gas or you have a air leak. my 2 cents

 

The thing runs like a raped ape and doesnt backfire

 

thats good that it isnt. at least you wont burn a hole in your piston from to much heat from the plug.