Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Chipper/Vac engine repair, internal passages, time gas

Question
Marc,
 I have two questions which have to do with my 5 hp chipper/vac engine. The first is that the pull cord does not fully recoil after I pull it to start the engine. It does have enough cord to start the engine but about a foot remains outside the cover. the second question is that after my chipper/vac is running for a short time gas comes out of the small rubber primer bulb on the carb. the engine will normally stop running at this point and i have to wait a little while to restart it.

Answer
I recommend, for everyone, that recoil problems be referred to a good shop because it can be more costly and potentially dangerous if you haven't repaired one before.  As for your gas leaking out of the primer bulb, it sounds as though there is debris inside the carb (specifically, under the check valve to the primer bulb) that is allowing fuel to flow into the bulb.  Remove and clean the crab thoroughly, including pushing a piece of tag wire through all of the internal passages and follow up with aerosol carb cleaner.  Make sure the fuel tank is clean too.  Hope this helps.