Well when I start it I have to put my hand over where the breather goes or it won't run and when I take my hand off it will die what should I do?

The engine is designed to run with the "breather" (air filter) installed. Without the air cleaner, the air/fuel mixture is too lean. The sponge filter element can be washed with detergent & water. Replacement is very inexpensive.

When I put the air breather on it won't even start at all tell I take it off and put my hand on it

OOPS! The most basic small engine problem was overlooked. Dump all fuel from the gas tank & put in new (recently purchased) gas. Gasoline has a shelf life. Gasoline purchased last year may not necessarily work this year but it is a great weed killer. My personal policy on small engines is run only AMOCO high octane gas for its cleaning properties. My vehicles get this gas every 6 months for the same reason. It is too expensive to run in the vehicles but it eliminates the need to remove & clean the cylinder head every year. That will be the next step for your engine. Regular gasoline builds up carbon deposits within the head, on the top of the piston & on the valves. Removing all this deposit greatly improves the engine performance. Be careful with the head gasket. If damaged on removal, it must be replaced.