flyingfool

some what of an update here. I decided to run a compression test just to cover my bases, thinking mabeye at worst it could be a valve/cam issue. compression was decent.
DID notice that when the engine was just turning over, throttle open, choke plate open, there was no fuel visibly comming out of carb. but I can see it when i pump the throttle. would the carb be pulling fuel through the line, but the pump not pushing any in?

Stepman

No, it's not possible. The carb merely uses what the pump gives it. If there is fuel in the carb, the pump got it there. Pump the pedal once and spray some of that gas on your finger....what does it smell like?