Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn boy only starts with starting fluid, little squirt, butter fly

Question
Hi,
I have a Lawn Boy silver series that will only start if I take the air filter off and spray some starting fluid in it.  Then I have to push the primer bulb a few times to keep it running but eventually stays running.  When I push the primer bulb it pumps gas in, so I don't understand why it doesn't fire with that but a little squirt of starting fluid and it fires first pull.  Drained all the old gas and put in fresh and still get the same thing.  Changed the spark plug just in case also, but getting good spark.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello Mark, it is a butter fly value in your carburetor. Try this experiment: First pull your choke and look to see if you butterfly value is closed if it is then that means it is ready to be fired up. When engine is running the choke value or butterfly value should be opened. The reason why you are not getting any power is because in order to start any engine you need air and fuel.