Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 6.75hp Tecumseh fuel problem, gas tanks, carburator

Question
For much of this summer, I've been having problems with my Craftsman 6.75hp Tecumseh,  feeling that the engine was running sluggishly. I replaced the air filter, and noted that the old filter smelled strongly of gasoline. I recently
noticed that a small amount of fuel is dripping out of through the air filter.  Last night, I would start the lawn mower and it would die a couple of seconds later.  It only re-starts after pumping the primer button a couple more times, then dies again.  The only way I was able to keep it from dying was to rock the mower back and forth immediately after starting it.  Then it was able to run long enough to cut my lawn, but it really sounded like it was going to die at any minute, I think it was barely getting enough gas.  Any ideas on possible solutions that you could give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Answer
 Hello Marianne:

 Check the Gas Tanks Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank Properly. From your Description I Suggest the Carburator be Cleaned and Rebuilt. There is Trash/Water/Varnish in the Carburator. Varnish is Formed by Gas Over Time and Restricts the Gas Flow to the Jet inside the Carburator. Hope this Helps. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John