Originally Posted by Truckracer

Regarding your original question, it is hard to say how the engine is running as there are so many unknowns. But in general, if it is rich it will sputter, etc. and put out lots of exhaust smoke and will tend to slow down after it has run awhile. If lean, it will run smoother and tend to speed up and perhaps die after it runs awhile. If the engine gets too hot, it will act lean whether it is actually rich or lean and may be almost impossible to restart. Rich engines start easier than lean ones and normal starting procedures involve overpriming / choking to make starting easier.