craig, you sound like a real nice guy. steven. make sure you have the correct plug a champion L86C if i remember correctly and that it is gapped right, i cant remember exactly but somewhere around .020" should be about right. the float plays a critical role in the carb, as the fuel level in the float bowlneeds to be at the correct level in order for the main jet to meter the amount of fuel properly. so its pretty imperative you either get a new one or a new carb. starting fluid or 'ether' as its sometimes called is just a super volatile, flammable spray you spray in the engine to help it fire