Can you do leak down test with out side covers on?

Yes, but gears, sleeve and nut have to be on crank. Should remove flywheel to spray that seal. Be sure to test the tester if you can't find leak.
Also check that carb cap was tight. It can leak enough there to cause your symptoms.
 
it was leaking bad from where the reed cage and boot meet so i took it apart and cleaned it and applied some rtv black on it im going to let it sit till tmrw to try it again
 
Very common leak area. Caused from OVERTIGHTENING and/or not tightening incrementally in diagonally pattern.
Not a fan of rtv near gas, but something is better than nothing.
 
I tourqued it down to 7 lbs like kens video said souls it have been damaged from previous over tightening ?

And is there a better sealant for that area? I was thinking about getting a sheet of gasket material if this didn't work
 
I don't think there is any rtv that is recommended for use near gas, check the label. If it doesn't work, consider a gasket on both sides. As to sealer something like 3bond or Yammabond works or old school Permeates #2 non-hardening.