strong at the front , blue but dull at rear .. fuel yes i think but the engine was full of water when i got it , hence the noisy bearings ! but its ok i'll try again soon but dont wanto damage more than it is already but man it would be great to hear it going ! same as yours though no bottom left on the muffler , just gauze type stuff and bits of rusty steel . its been sitting now for a month or more , no plugs and under cover in the warm breeze , we still have !! so nice n dry now i hope .