Mower only runs if primer held in

[Laneman]

Craftsman mower w/ Briggs engine started dying yesterday. Noticed if I hold in the red primer bulb it will run. Do these go bad or is it just clogged somewhere?

 

[Rivets]

Time to give your carb a good cleaning and install a new float needle and seat.

 

[silverstreek]

Today's gas only lasts about 30 days before it starts to break down. If the fuel currently in the tank is old? Like Rivits said, it's time to rebuild the carb. I'd also drain the fuel tank and install new fuel if it is old.

 

[briggs]

Craftsman mower w/ Briggs engine started dying yesterday. Noticed if I hold in the red primer bulb it will run. Do these go bad or is it just clogged somewhere?

carb needs rebuild