T9.9elhx idle problem

[thunderjet58]

Engine starts, idles rough, and then dies. If you give it any gas once it is started it dies right away. Worked fine when boat was parked 6 months ago. I've checked fuel filter and pump. If you unbolt the starter set and pull it about a quarter of the way out and then start the motor while holding it up it runs fine. What does the starter set do and is this my problem? I have cleaned all electrical connections to the starter set. I also do not see any movement from this part should there be?
Thanks

[rodbolt17]

cause your carb is dirty.
pulling the starter set and starting it causes it to run very rich bypassing the carb idle and main jets.
clean the carb.