Took off the fuel line at the carb, the engine didnt run long, but it spewed good solid fuel flow into my jar that i had. Vent appears clear as well. again, fuel filter is clear, was even taken off and ran engine without a change. carb linkage is in perfect shape. fuel flow out of tank is great. thinking of possible timing issue, i also get a few backfires/ spits occasionally in the carb.