Kawasaki FH430V Starts Then Dies – Fuel in Air Filter

[slomo]

I pulled off the air filter and found it soaked in gas—like it’s flooding right after it starts.

Carb needle and seat hanging open. Time to rebuild or clean the carb.

It also puffed some smoke

What color smoke? Pull the plugs. Bet they are black. Clean and regap.

Does this sound like a carburetor issue or could it be the fuel pump?

Carb issue yes, fuel pump no. Would just crank and crank and crank and crank without any fuel.