u dont need to remove the carb to check under the needles, but it would be easier i guess. its held on by a clamp screw at the base of the carb. then unscrew the high speed needle (count the number of turns it takes to unscrew it, so u can return it to that position later) same for the low speed needle. hsn is the one in the copper housing at the top of the carb, low speed is in the centre of the carb arm. clean the holes out with wd40 or fuel and return the screws to the postion they where previously.

have u also had the cooling head off to clean the crank case out? u will need to.

again - how does the compression feel on the pullstart? does it feel as hard to pull as it did before the water sports?

have a search for failsafes on google or whatever... tell u what... click [link=http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=rc+failsafe&meta=]here[/link] and see what i mean...