Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Starting problems with Honda HRX217HXA, bottun, rapid succession

Question
My mower has had the typical surging problems that, based on what I have read, relates to old fuel left in the mower.  To correct this problem, I replaced the carborator and all of the relevant gaskets in the intake assembly.  I also replaced the spark plug.  I did not replace the air filter, as it was generally clean.  Now, when I try to start the mower, it takes many pulls--approximately 15 to 20 pulls.  Also, I noticed that after making several pulls, if I let the mower sit for a few seconds, it seems that the next pull "feels" better, i.e., the more tends to want to start better.  However, pulls in rapid succession don't accomplish much.  Anyway, my question is how do I get the mower to begin starting on the first pull like it did new?  Put another way, what is the likely problem with starting the mower?  The mower is only two years old.

Thanks.

Answer
Is there a primer bottun on your mower? Sounds like it takes so long to start because it needs to wait to get fuel! If you have a primer,push it 5/6 times and then pull it over and it should start right up.If you dont you may have a clogged fuel filter? Is there a wire coming out the bottom of the carb?