motor runs only with choke pulled

[tedfla]

got a '91 15 hp Johnson that starts hard and ONLY runs if the choke is at least part way out. Adjusting the idle jet makes no difference. I suspect that there's a carb air leak. SOund right? Anything else likely? She got really hot last time out. Could ruined rings be the culprit?
Thanks
Tedfla

[JUST-IN-TIME]

rebuild the carb and fuel pump with new parts