Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears Craftsman Eager 1-- 22 inch mower-starts but then dies, needle nose pliers, craftsman eager 1

Question
Hello
I have a Sears Craftsman Eager 1, 6.75 hp, 22 inch self propelled lawn mower (Model 917.377190) which has a problem somewhere in the carb. The Tecumseh carb was completely rebuilt this Spring by a small engine mechanic and afterwards the mower started up and ran beautifully until recently. Then it would start up but only run for a second or two before dying. The other afternoon I had to running and cut the back yard but the mower suddenly stopped running on me.  after it suddenly stopped, I couldn't get it going again. I tried priming it but it would only start and then quickly die.

I think I found the area of the problem with the lawn mower. I used a needle nose pliers to try to remove the red rubber primer bulb that has a retainer clip holding it to the side of the Tecumseh carb. As I grabbed hold of the bulb where the retainer clip is, some gas leaked out of the rubber bulb. I didn't take the primer bulb all the way out and had no clue why gas started coming out. Anyway I then pressed the primer bulb several times and the lawn mower started and stayed running. it's running again but I believe the underlying problem still exists and will rear its ugly head again.
The recurrent fouling problem appears to have something to do with that red rubber primer bulb on the Tecumseh carb.
Even though the red rubber primer bulb on the Tecumseh carb looks good, can it still be defective and cause these recurrent fouling problems?

any insight would be appreciated. Thanks. Irish  

Answer
 Hello Irish:

 The Primer Bulb could very well be the Cause of your Problem. Replace the Bulb. If that Doesnt Correct the Problem, then Clean the Carburator Also. It May have Picked Up Trash/Water out of the Gas Tank. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. I enjoy knowing the Outcome. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John