Paul, you may need to partially choke your engine after full choking it. It's a common condition with some new 2 cycle gas engines. I would recommend that after the engine pops but does not start.. leave the choke closed about 1/2 and flip the prop. The engine should start because your getting sufficient gas and air. Let it run for a bit then take off the choke.. let it run a little more and then advance your throttle to see the throttle response. The factory needle settings are not set in stone but are good starting points. The actual settings depend on a lot of factors including the weather, gas, oil, prop etc. Hope this helps.. let us know. BobH.