Mercury 5hp 2 stroke won't run without choke

[Grepau]

I have a 1989 Mercury 5hp 2 stroke where I have taken the head off to clean the waterways. Head has gone back on with a new gasket and the engine starts fine with full choke. However as soon as I try and push the choke in the engine dies. Even if I leave it running for 5 minutes on full choke it will die if I try and push the choke in. Have stripped and cleaned the carb but makes no difference.
Anyone any ideas where I have screwed up?
Paul

 

[fastjeff]

Sounds like the idle mixture screw is set too lean. Trying adding a 1/2 turn richer. Also, it might be idling too low.

Jeff

 

[Grepau]

Sounds like the idle mixture screw is set too lean. Trying adding a 1/2 turn richer. Also, it might be idling too low.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff, just tried adjusting the idle mixture and unfortunately it made no difference. It idles fine with the choke out.
Paul