I have a 1996 250 trail boss, just replaced starter and air filters. I have spark, and getting fuel but won't start. installed new spark plug, have compression. could it be the ETC? can anyone please help. thank you.

 

welcome to the forum. you say you have compression, but how much do you have?? it needs to be at least 100 psi for it to even start sometimes. the etc wouldn't or shouldn't stop it from starting the engine. it only should stop it form reving up.

 

Did you try cleaning the carb. Make sure to remove the pilot jet and clean it.