.....first of all...the butterfly valve doesnt open and close fully either way with the throttle...it should be partly closed when u warm up the car depending on where u have it set to, but when the car is warm it will disingage and be open...only when u go WOT will the butterfly valve open fulley, which is only like a millimeter more than normal...at least thats how mine operates, so if thats not normal..then whatever, lol...it works. if its not opening at all, check the choke mechanism...open it up and clean it ...sometimes with carbs that use exhaust heat to further heat the choke there is a little piston thing (not all carbs have them..only one of mine of 3 of the same type of carb had it) and it could get fouled with carbon...whatever..also check your screw setup which enables u to set the choke..it should be right by the idle speed screw. if the throttle plate isnt moving (the lower plate that alows the gas and air to actually enter the engine) then something is busted cause its pretty much one piece for that...but really all it sounds like is the choke is on and possibly not set up right. u could always use a stick to hold the butterfly valve part way open while someone tries to start it.....
