I tried to start it and it would barely start with full choke and die. It is in the 90's here and didn't need the choke in that kind of temp to start it before. It won't stay running after it starts. I'm sure it's a carb problem so what am I looking for here? Any help is appreciated. I haven't had a carb apart in 20 years so I'm a little rusty.

Thanks for any help.

 

Sounds like a plugged (idle) jet to me????

 

Its also called the pilot jet. And that was my first thought too.
If it will run at 1/4 throttle, but not idle, or if it will idle with the choke, but not with out the choke....id say for sure, its a plugged jet. Youll have to remove the pilot jet, and looking thru it like looking down a straw, you need to see light coming thru, the center hole. If you cant clean it out(the hole is about .012" diameter), then get a new jet...they are about 6 bucks from the dealer.
If youre gonna be leaving the 250 sit for more than a couple days, make sure you drain the float bowl, or run it dry....and the jet wont plug again.

 

Thanks for the replies. It won't idle either.

 

Either the idle speed is way too low, (doubtful), or the pilot jet is plugged.