Original problem ... When starting it went straight to full throttle mode for a few seconds then died (like hitting a kill switch). I found the throttle valve was stuck in full on. I gave it a little nudge and it was working smoothly. Then i broke the pull cord trying to restart. I fixed the pull cord and re-assembled top.
New problem ... Now engine won't fire or huff or anything. If i use the gas primer bulb and pull the plug it will be a bit wet. So I checked spark on the plug. The sparks are there nice and bright although maybe a bit orange. I checked the spark with an automotive spark gap tester , it gave a bright spark out to about 3/8 " (1 cm). Air filter seems ok. Took float bowl off in case there was water and no water. I drained some gas out of tank in case there was some water there.
If i spray some starter fluid in the carburator (yes, air filter removed) I might get a small huff or fire but that is it. Occasionally i get what sounds like some backfire/cough ??? So i checked the safety/sheer pin on the flywheel to make sure it had not been wrung/spun. The pin looked looked fine ,not budged in slightest bit. The coil to magneto flywheel air gap looks nice and tight i measured 10 - 12 thousanths (.010-.012) ".
So what am i missing ? what to check or do ?
thanks for any helpful replies. robb