LT80 Carb ?

[Keefer700]

LT80 won't run without the choke on. I have boiled the carb and soaked it in cleaner. I can blow air through every port except the center one on the front of the air inlet (see pic). Is this one supposed to be open?

[LT80]

Compression?
If all else is well, I'd say you need a new carb.
70 bucks or so on ebay for a aftermarket copy. I've heard they work fine.

[Keefer700]

Compression is 145 cold. Ended up being a plugged up idle jet. Got a real bright light and could see that the center hole is a blank.