Just double check that choke plate is fully closing. IE is the throttle control cable properly adjusted and the choke lever pin is not broken off. I have seen a lot cables that wear and have to readjusted.
Just want to give an update. Started it with gas in carb, once running added carb cleaner and let it run for 15 minutes. Works fine now, no problems. Have probably another month of mowing, will then do a full carb cleaning this winter, thanks again.