Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh engine on snowblower wont run, starter fluid, pumpin

Question
I just bought a used John Deere snowblower, a TRS24.  It doesn't run, but I got a good deal and figured I could get it going.

There is spark, and the engine will run if I spray starter fluid into the carb, so seems to be a fuel problem.

I rebuilt the carb with a kit, cleaning out everything with carb cleaner and all that.  I put it back together, double-checked everything, and it still won't run.  It will if I spray starter fluid, but won't continue without it.

The engine has the following stamped on it: HS50 67307K

One other observation: The primer bulb doesn't seem to do a whole lot.  The hose that connects it to the carb was funky and not connecting well, so I trimmed the end to get a good seal.  It sounds and feels like it's pumpin air, but it doesn't get firm like the primer bulb on my mower.  Should it?

Thanks a lot.

Answer
Greg

The engine you have is a Tecumseh HS50 67307K First of all make sure that the carb has no leaks around the intake also make sure the fuel filter is clean.The primer bulb should be somewhat firm and have no leaks.The bulb may be bad or there is a leak,but that wont cause the running problem as you still are not getting fuel to flow. Try starting the engine and keep pushing the bulb to see if that keeps it running,if that does not do good replace the bulb and the line.