cant start it up

  Hey guys,


         New to the forum and in need of help. I have a EF1000, its an older model with a square build. I love this little generator, and have for years. about a 2 years ago it started pulsating in rpms, i could level it out by raising it toward the choke position. No matter how long it sat or how cold it could be, three pulls and it would roar to life. THen one day it just wouldnt start. I new it was worth keeping and i was moving soon so I kept it with me, it hasn't ran in 18 months or so. i decided this week to work on it. I drained the gas, removed and cleaned the carb, cleaned the plug and have spark. It still wont start. I gave it a shot of ether and it fires up long enough, and while playing with the linkages i can get it to low idle for me for 10 to 15 seconds or so, so I know im burning gas and not ether at that point but it will not stay alive, any tips. Also what is the proper gap for the plug, I cant find the manual online for my model only the new rounded model. Any advice would be of great help. Thanks