Hi,

I have an older toro self propelled mower and at the end of last season it wouldn't start. This spring I got around to messing with it and found that it's sparking fine, and if I pour a bit of gas into the spark plug hole, it starts up fine and keeps on running fine. I can mow the entire yard if I start it this way. However, if I try to just use the primer bulb to start it up, no dice.

My guess here is that something is wrong with the priming system. With the carbs primed by pouring gas down the spark plug hole, it runs fine, which I would think rules out a carb problem. The only thing I can think is that the primer bulb isn't actually priming. I see no obvious flaws with the bulb itself, it doesn't feel like it's leaking and I see no cracks or holes.

Any idea on what I should do next? I'm sure it's not good to start it each time by pouring gas down the spark plug hole :)

is the see-through primer or is it painteD? if its see through do you see gas?

is the see-through primer or is it painteD? if its see through do you see gas?

It's a red bulb, not see through.

Perhaps there is a leaking seal between the primer and carburetor. Check for a torn or missing gasket.

my mower has the same thing, buti have to push it 30+ times. try that. and also, i found out that the gasket was bad