Bolens 1476 starting issues

[dinosaur]

It has the S14D engine and everytime I need to start the tractor, I have to squirt starting fluid in it to start. Once started it runs fine, and even when it"s hot I have to use starting fluid.
I have replaced the fuel pump, filter and shutoff valve in case of any restrictions.
Any thoughts?
 

[El Toro]

If that's a gas engine you need to make sure the choke is closing fully. I would install a primer bulb to squirt that atomized gas directly into the air stream. Hold your hand over the throat of the carburetor and see if there's good suction on your hand. Good suction means good intake manifold vacuum. If there's little suction could mean a vacuum leak or your rings may have worn the cylinder walls. Hal
 

[cwtech]

Burnt exhaust valve ??
 

[dinosaur]

It does look like the choke is closing all the way, but still won't start on it's own. BUT if I hold my hand over the carb, it will start. There is very good suction.
Also when it does start this way (hand over carb) when I remove my hand, and it's been running for a few minutes, there is gas dripping from the intake of the carb, but not when I use the fluid.
Does this sound like a carb adjustment is needed?
Thanks for all your suggestions
 

[El Toro]

Is there a solenoid on the carburetor that's used to shutoff the fuel? If there is it may not be opening allowing fuel into the carburetor.
Is a fuel pump used? Before fuel injection we used our hand over the throat of the carb just to checked out the fuel pump. If it started using your hand it was usually the pump. Hal
PS: Check the fuel flow from the tank to the carb. See if there's a full stream of gas. Hold a clean container to catch the gas.