Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): motor wont run unless choke is on, john deer, air leak

Question
I have a john deer 100 series mower. I believe it's a 19.5 HP B&S. I am having trouble keeping it running. I have to have the choke wide open or it stops running. I have drained all the gas lines, cleaned the carb and replaced the fuel filter. There is a small fuel pump (non-electric) between the fuel tank and carb. It appears to be plenty of gas in getting to the carb because every time i take the carb bowl off it is full of gas. Not sure what else it could be.

Answer
Did you blow compressed air, from an air compressor, through all the carburetor orfices (holes) when you cleaned the carb?

Is there an intake gasket leaking?

The engine is running way too lean, not getting enough fuel until you close the choke.  Either the carb is still malfunctioning or there is in intake air leak.

Eric