72' 7.5 hp won't start at idle

[Zendriver]

Carburetor seems to be very wet with a little fuel dripping out. Never had it running properly since purchasing from estate sale . Will only start and run on fast throttle. Rebuilt and checked carburetor with new gaskets no different . Starts consistently if throttle is up to three quarters in about

 

[fastjeff]

Not unusual with those. I remove the idle stop piece near the bottom of the carb so I can give her lots of throttle.

You might be running a bit too lean an idle setting (or rich, but lean is a better possibility).

Jeff