1998 artic cat 500 4x4 starts fine but soon floods gas out the carburater overflow

Well sounds like you need to clean air filter if that does not help i would go with your choke is sticking on if its a cable pull one make sure its pushing all the way back on carb check or if it is electronic one i would replace auto choke good luck

1st. have the carb cleaned and set professionally, does your spark plug come black, soot covered? If yes, replace the needle jet and et needle. Yes, a new or properly cleaned and oiled air filter. New spark plug too!!