Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower will not start, head bolts, carborator

Question
My lawn mower starts when I manually choke it but dies right away. It starts only for a moment when choked, then dies. It does nothing to fire unless it is choked. I cleaned the carburator, changed the gas, took all the lines off and cleaned, but it still does the same thing. It is a 5 or 5 1/2 hp. motor with a tecumseh carborator.
Should I shoot it? or can I get it to work do you think?
Tank you I appreciate any help you may give.
Steve

Answer
Make sure the head bolts are torqued to 200 inch pounds and the intake gaskets are not leaking.

Tecumseh carburetors can be a real pain sometime.  Either they work great, or not at all.

Check the item above first.  If it still does the same thing then I'm guessing the problem is in the carburetor.

Did the mower sit for a while without being used?
Let me know.
Eric