Cub 1541 Fuel Pump?
 

This year when I went to start up my 1541 for preseason service it would start but then seconds later it would flood itself out. It would not run when I idled it up and the carb would fill with gas choking it out. Changed the plugs and the same thing. Last night when tinkering with it I notice that when I constrict the gas hose between the carb and fuel pump it will run just fine. I can run the throttle and everything. It is almost like the fuel pump is pushing too much gas through. Does this sounds like a bad fuel pump or is it a symptom of something worse?

Sounds like the float in the carb is stuck open. You will need to have the carb taken off and cleaned and possibly put a kit in it. Not a horrible job but it does take some skills. Maybe try tapping lightly on the carb bowl it might become unstuck but will probably leak till you get it cleaned.