Honda won't start without starting fluid

[viperv10]

Hi guys, I was just given a troybilt push mower with a honda engine on it. They couldn't get it to run. I cleaned the carb but it will only start with starting fluid. So I took the carb off and cleaned
it again. Still won't start. One shot of starting fluid and one pull and it starts fine. The mower model is 11A-B290711 ser. no. TEO72K11534. I can not tell what model the honda engine is.
There is a row of numbers on the side of the block but I can't read them. I looks like they made the numbers by pin pricking them in the block.
Does any one know what my problem could be? It runs great after it starts.
Jerry

 

[sgkent]

probably the choke or primer is not working right would be my guess. Or old gas.

 

[ILENGINE]

Engine should be a GCV160LA0-S3A Up to serial number 3151054 uses carb 16100-Z0L-853 MSRP for the complete carb is $17.92. After serial number 31501055 uses carb 16100-Z8B-851 MSRP of 21.17.

Need to confirm the choke is closing all the way and you have good fuel. Other than that could be a carb issue and for the price of the carb isn't worth even attempting to clean. I have also seen spark plugs do weird starting issues on Honda engines so keep that in mind also.

 

[viperv10]

OK thank you four reply. I noticed on this model the choke is spring loaded. when you set the choke, as soon as you grab the safety handle to pull start, the choke starts to open.
you barely have time to pull the rope and the choke is opening already. I have never seen a set up like like this one.
Jerry