Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD185 wont start. New ignitor, plug, coil, starter turns., white smoke, fuel filter

Question
I have a JD 185 that wont start.  Replaced the ignitor, coil, plug, air filter, fuel filter, all with no luck.  The starter turns strong but the engine still wont hit.  One note is the engine hit briefly with the new ignitor and coil, but wouldnt continue to run without the choke engaged, all the while with white smoke and then the engine stalled and wouldnt hit again.  Any thoughts on what to check next?

Answer
If it's necessary to choke the engine to keep it running, this is a sign that it is a fuel problem. The choke cuts off the air supply to the engine and makes it run very rich, pulling fuel through passages that aren't used for fuel under normal operation. If this is the case, you need to have the carburetor cleaned.