Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower no start, piece of dirt, eager 1

Question
Hi Michael:

My Eager 1 6.5 horsepower, 7 year old (?) Sears mower has been running fine until it ran out of gas yesterday.  After filling the tank...no start!  I prime the motor with the usual "10 pumps" on the priming button and it starts and runs for only a couple of seconds,  then dies again.  This continues if I prime it again. The only thing I noticed different is that the priming button is "extended" more than usual but still does its job.  Any ideas for me.

Thanks in advance

Jim Mocarski

Answer
Hi Jim,

When it ran dry, it might have drawn a piece of dirt into the carb.    
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.   A carb rebuild kit wouldn't hurt either.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael