Hmmm, The needle and diaphragm are an integral part of the carburetor. If you have removed this, there is no way for the system to regulate itself via the vacuum.
My suggestion is to put the needle and diaphragm back. If you think you want more fuel flow, try "shimming" the needle, so that there is an effective larger opening at the jet. You can get small washers from Radio Shack that you can place over the base of the needle before you put it back in the needle hole.
I think what you have going on now is just too much fuel all the time. Your fuel efficiency must be down and I bet your exhaust smells like gas because your probably running too rich. It is not starting because you have no suction to pull fuel into the system.
Interesting topic and thanks for the distraction.
