1985 8hp running poorly

[DIGGER]

The motor will start, but when you give it gas it wants to cough and kill. It has had a carb and fuel pump kit put in and it still acts the exact same way. The odd thing is that at times it comes out of it and will run perfectly, till the next time you start it. Any ideas?

[boats.net]

Sounds like it is running too lean which is usually a carb jet or p***age blocked or restricted, may need to remove and clean carb.