Unfortunately, my vent hole is open, that's where the gas was runnin out. BUT, that was a GREAT suggestion. I too had a tractor with a plugged vent + it ran EXACTLY like this. Took me forever to find the problem. I'm leading a motorcycle ride today, hope to get back workin on the tractor tonite. Thanks for the many great ideas, I'll be checkin them one by one + let you know what worked.