Need help with Carburetor adjustment

[spread footing]

Hey all,

I keep comin back for a reason! How about this, cart rarely but occasionally backfires, spits gas out of the front of the carb and the plugs were black as night. Oh and it will only start/run with the air filter off and the box open. Sounds like I am running a little rich wouldn't you say? I pulled the carb, clean as a whistle, but I cleaned and blew out anyways. Installed new plugs and no help there. The main jet and pilot jet were both screwed all the way clockwise, which I thought would be the most restrictive? Anyways, am I missing something? Would turning the jets counterclockwise actually kill some of the flow? A valve adjustement is definitely next, but my buddy keeps insisting the carb is running too rich and I can't find anything in the EXGo manual?

All thoughts appreciated.

btw, engine is a 2004 mci..., I can post pics of the carb if needed