Darkfire...i'm back into this from now from close to your age so where almost on the same page but i think i've tryed more crap out...when you take our filter off the hole u look down has a peice that moves when you hit the gas...that's the slider i think everyone is talking about...it has the almost half moon end on it...there should be a little opening at the end of the half moon...when you hit your brakes this should stay open. the little black screw under your HSN on the left down below the HSN. My trucks at home but I think it's to the bottem right of the HSN but the left of the carb when your looking at your truck from the driver side. i think

From what little I know of new nitro rc's this engine is a tough one from the start. She didn't like being new at all. Just past a gallon because fuel is alot right now but she's killer at the end of the first gallon! just take time to learn her. good luck and I wish I could post pics so I hope I helped.