Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Easy pull, spark plug wire, float bowl

Question
Eric,
My sister has a 1997 craftsman easy pull lawnmower that has a real hard time starting.  I changed the spark plug and the spark plug wire and the device the parkplug wire was connected to.  Still the lawnmower has a hard time starting.  The only way I can get it to start is blowing air into the carb, and it runs for 4 seconds then dies.  I have to repeat this for about 10 times before it will run on it's own.  
I have been reading your replies and it seems like I will have to take the carb apart and clean it.  Is this correct?  If so how difficult is it to take the carb apart?

Thanks,
Phil Costa

Answer
You are correct in that the carb needs to be cleaned.

The carb is very simple but the connecting linkages can be difficult.  Just pay attention to the carb linkage, how they are connected and routed, and you shouldn't have any trouble.

On the carb itself, take note to how the float bowl is installed.  You will see that one spot on the bowl is lower than the other.

As for the cleaning,  make sure the float bowl nut holes are clean.  We use compressed air from an air compressor to blow out the carb orfices.

Let me know what you find.
Eric