Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Toro 6.5 HP 22 self propeled mower, warranty work, clean filter

Question
Mew in 2001.From day one it was necessary to push the primer 20 times to start, but it ran fine with no re-prime necessary for re-start. Now,Requires up to 30+primes with multi-pulls. The same for re-start, but with less pulls and primes. I have tried fewer primes, thinking that it is flooding, but it was no help. Apuff of smoke will occure only on an occasional initial startup. The only maintenance has been oil change , new plug, and clean filter.

Answer
Hiya Terry
First thing- replace the primer bulb, or have it replaced.  I gotta tell ya- you SHOULD have turned it in for warranty work when it was new, heh.  That bulb should do the job after only 3 pumps.

Take it to a shop- explain the issue- let 'em fix it, make them show you it works on a cold start-up before you accept the job as complete.  Shouldn't cost that much- 35-40$ tops.

Lemme know k?
CYA