Need help with predator 212 engine

[Redferna]

So my predator 212 engine has been running strong up until recently. When I try to start it up it backfires until maybe three-4 pulls. Then it runs flawlessly until I try to give it gas. As soon as I give even a tiny bit of gas It stalls out. Is it not getting enough air? I have checked my air filter and it has a little dust on it but not nearly enough to block airflow I think. I have checked the carb jets and the fuel lines but they seem spotless which makes me think its not getting enough air but im still pretty new at this and im still learning.

 

[Karttekk]

Sounds more like a lean condition. Check your fuel filter, see if gas flows freely with the fuel line disconnected from the carburetor, you may have to remove the fuel bowl and check if the float is stuck closed. See if it runs temporarily from a blast of starting fluid.

 

[Tpdingo]

Use the included spark plug puller and take some pictures of the end, if you can't, just tell us what the color of the ceramic in the center by the tip is.

Black is rich(too much fuel)
Brown/Golden is just right.
White is lean(not enough fuel)

 

[Redferna]

I have fixed the problem. I believe I had the air filter on too tight and it was squishing/deforming the rubber gasket behind it causing irregular air flow. (I think) I can confirm it is fixed though.

 

[Tpdingo]

If it can handle a few good hard pulls from your kart, it's fine.