1985 Toyota Pickup Truck will not crank. If I spray Starter

I have owned the truck for less than a year. The carburetor was rebuilt by the previous owner. The choke was never set properly. I have had to pour Gas into the carb or use starter fluid after it has set for 5-6 hours. Once Its started and runs for about 30 sec - a minute it's fine. Yesterday I went out to start it with the starter fluid. It started and shut back down. After several attempts at this with the truck starting then immediately shutting back down I have come here seeking advice. It seems to not be getting fuel. I know that the fuel pump was replaced about 8 months ago. Has me putting off getting the choke set caused this? Where do I start to repair this problem? It's a great truck with over 300,000 miles. The motor has been rebuilt sometime in the past. With fuel prices I need it up and running. Thanks for any and all help.