Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman 6.75 Eager1 Wont run, self propelled lawn mower, new spark

Question
Hi Michael.  I have a Craftsman 6.75hp Eager1 self-propelled
lawn mower (model 917-377593) and am having a heck of a
time getting it to stay running.  It is about 5 years old.  It was
running like new a few weeks ago.  I went to start it 2 weeks ago
and it would run for 10 seconds or so at a time, sputter, and die.  
Finally, it warmed up and ran OK.  Last week I figured that I
could keep it running by priming it when it sputtered, but it was
running very poorly.  Today I realized that I could keep it
running by clamping down the primer bulb.  It was running like
new again, except it died halfway through the yard and now will
not run for more than a few seconds and will not stay running
regardless of what I do.  I've got good gas, good oil, new filter,
and new spark plug.
Reading some of the other postings it sounds like it is a
carbeurator problem.  Unfortunately, I am not mechanically
inclined and not prepared to rebuild the carb.  How easy is it to
get to the carb?  Once I do that, what is the rebuild process like?

Thanks! Gib

Answer
Hi Gib,

Check for a hole or tear in the primer bulb.  If okay, then try to start it while squirting fuel or starting fluid into the carb intake.  If it starts and you can keep it running by adding fuel, then the carb most likely has dirt, debris or gummed fuel inside.      
You will need to remove the carb, disassemble it, clean all the small internal openings and blow it out with compressed air.   Probe each and every hole with a small wire.   Adding a carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.  

Another possibility if the problem is fuel related: Check the gas cap to make sure it is venting and not causing a vacuum in the tank.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael