Modern Vespa

I'm having a curious issue that I hope someone can help me with.
I have a 2003 ET4 150 my niece got for a bargain basement price and, of course I got selected to make it run.
Previuos owner claims it was running a year ago when they put into storage.
All my wrenching experience is with a PX150 2 stroke and the ET4 is a little bit different (actually quite a bit different).

I replaced the battery (which would not hold a charge) and now I can get it to turn over and and fire up if I spray carb cleaner into the air box.
So it seems there may be a fuel feed issue.

The tap is a vacuum controlled one and I think that is where the problem lies.
It looks like it's been leaking so I have ordered a replacement but I will need to figure out if it is connected properly.

There are 2 hose attachments on the tap (other than the big one that goes into the tank).
The top hose is cut off and plugged.
The bottom hose connects to the left side of the manifold.
If I pull this hose off of the manifold no gas comes out (yes, I did put gas in the tank).
The hose on the right side of the manifold is cut off and plugged.

Shouldn't there be a fuel line that goes to the carb so gas is mixed with air before the manifold?
Isn't that the point of having a carb?
This seems to be a very strange arrangement and I really don't understand how it could run with the hoses like this.

the top outlet on the tap is for fuel, the bottom is for vacuum. the tap (or the line) probably failed and it was pouring gas everywhere so they just cut and plugged it for the time being and thinking that they'd get back to it. then it sat and they sold it.

the small port on the manifold is for vacuum, and the line should run back to the fuel tap. the large port is for evap. it's fine if it has been plugged.

inspect the manifold closely for cracks that can cause a leak and funny running/difficulty starting. same goes for the plugged evap, make sure it's not compromised in any way.

the fuel and vacuum lines should be replaced along with the fuel tap.

more than likely you'll need to pull the carb and clean it.

Perfect. Thanks Greasy.
So I guess there should be a fuel input somewhere on the carb.
I don't see it but I probably will find it when I pull the carb.