hey thanks for all that.
the regular leak in the carb is coming from around the top of the float bowl. i think there is supposed to be some rubber piece that should keep that from happening. maybe that has gone bad.
i just watched a video on taking apart a puch carb (and putting back together). it was very helpful. i haven't taken it apart myself yet, but i plan to soon.
oh, and yes when i push down the black button gas comes pouring out of the bottom of the button. the regular leak is much slower but it still leaves a small puddle under my bike if i leave it for long.
then again, maybe i just needed to turn off the fuel valve. i just found out that is what that little knob turny thing was for on the side of my moped ;). the leaking hasn't been as bad for the few hours since then. we'll see if it's a cure.
really
themaniel