Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman dies while mowing, tune ups, fuel tank

Question
I have a craftsman self propelled 6.75 hp mower.  To start it I must push prime ball 10-15 times.  After I get it started it dies 1-2 times and then restarts and runs fine.  Recently it started dying while mowing for no apparent reason.  It will restart but runs very rough. The recent dying has increased so much I can't even mow my yard.  I am wanting to tune it up and wanted to know what I should purchase in order to give it a good tune-up. Thanks!

Answer
Tune-ups are pretty simple these days.  Normally we replace the air filter, spark plug, sharpen/replace the blade and change the oil.  In addition we usually flush and clean the fuel tank and carb and wash the mower.

Your rough running is most likely caused by something in the carb.  You can drain the fuel tank and then remove the carb bowl nut on the bottom of the carb to drain the carb.  We usually remove the carb, dis-assemble it and clean it with compressed air.  When you remove the bowl nut make sure the holes in the nut are clean.  

If it still runs rough you will have to remove and clean the carb.

Let me know what you find.
Eric