RE: Beginner Engine Help!
Garfield,
While the carburettor's needles in a new engine, are often set at the factory; the long-term significance of this 'factory setting' is virtually zilch...
The manufacturer sets them, so when the engine is started by a beginner who does no know better, it will not be running too lean.
Running too lean can obviously damage some engines, so the manufacturer is essentially insuring itself against warranty claims, law-suites, Etc..
But, if someone regards this setting as one to continue with; believe me, he's got many dead-sticks and crashes coming his way.
You first need to be able to differentiate between a 'too rich' and a 'too lean' condition. You must also understand the workings of your engine's carburettor; and know how to make it run richer and leaner, at its various RPM ranges.
Then, you can consider any rich setting the needle are at, as 'the factory setting'.