Fuel leak issue, 85hp Mercury Outboard?

-Not a mechanic type of person, so I'll try to detail as best I can.



A note here, the engine is an older model. It's on a 1971 hull, but outboard is more likely an after market from sometime in the 80's. I've already had the engine half way taken apart (major outer structure only, no moving parts) to diagnose the issue.



The engine, when hooked up to a gas line, leaks. I've tracked down the leak.. it looks like it's coming out of the cylinders. When the choke is closed, I can visually see the choke flap shutting.. and the leak stops. When the choke is open, it leaks. The suggestion given to me was that something was stuck open? No idea here. So, the question.



I'm handy enough to put things back together after I take them apart.. If I strip down the engine and make sure it's all put back together, will it solve the issue here or is it likely to need parts/more work than a simple rebuild? I already know that it also needs a new starter, but after looking at it I already know I can handle that much. (find it.. a whole different matter)