It doesn't "pop". I have a feeling, I may have set the high speed needle too lean and perhaps not enough fuel got in the carb. From what I see in the forums people open the high speed needle at least 3 turns. I went with the instructions and did 2.5 at the most. I seem to remember that in the break - in period, I had it open more than 3. I will try that these days. I dont usually disconnect the engine from the tank, or run it dry after I finish flying. The engine pressurizes the tank ok. That I checked first.