2005 Suzuki 9.9hp starting problem

[smartcar.passion]

I'm hoping someone can help me out on this? My 9.9hp electric start has had a problem starting since I bought it new in 2005. I thought after it was broke in it would get better but it's gotten worse. It has good spark and compression. I'm thinking it has something to do with the choke? If I take the cover off and put my hand over the air inlet, it starts right away. My question is" How do I adjust that choke butterfly in the carburetor? Is there a way to do this without taking the carb off? I can't see the butterfly from the outside but I'm suspect that when I pull the choke out all the way, it's staying partially open?
thanks, Dennis