that is excellent advice ! .. not being a engine guy , i'm not aware of all the possibilities for trouble shooting . i just had a thought also . when the engine took a lot of cranking before it fired up awhile back , i found out the choke cable had slipped and choke was'nt even engaging . maybe after adjusting it , it is still choked a bit . that would make it run rich ? even though it runs smooth and strong . i'll check the oil level regularly and the exhaust pipe too . you guys are great , thanks jboy va. p.s i had alot of fun cruising thru the woods today in the fresh , overnite snow with the dog zipping along .