This past weekend as I was pre-setting up for my upcoming carb cleaning quest i took out the stock air filter.
As I took out the filter I noticed that my fingers were wet with gasoline.
am I correct to assume that this shouldn't be?? if not, what is causing this to happen?
and also, it still looks moderately clean, but is it like auto's where you bring it up to a light to see how clogged they really are?

Thanks again!

 

Sounds peculiar to me - what would cause petrol to find its way to the airfilter?
Is there a leak in the tank?

 

Petrol or blowby from the engine?

 

If your Float Needle & Seat are worn it will allow the float bowls to fill up.