thanks guys! i'm @ work right now, but i'll give it another shot tomorrow. if i can't figure it out i'll just wait until i go to the field and get some hands on. i did try the filling it directly through the carb line and i now at least have fuel in that line which i didn't before. i'm sure at this point it is a needle adjustment. this model has a limiter on it so it's only a half turn either left or right. what i'm still trying to understand is why when i fill it using the fill line, no fuel goes to the carb, but it comes out of the line going to the muffler. the directions regarding filling the tank suck with this kit.

thanks for the tips and i'll keep at it.