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I have a 2004 Toro Personal Pace mower with 6.5 HP Tecumseh engine.
Engine will not prime. Replaced primer bulb and bowl gasket (because it was leaking).
Pump like crazy. Still no prime, plug is dry.
Shoot some starter fluid in air intake - starts and keeps running.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Sounds like a carb rebuild is needed.

On this engine what would a carb rebuild include?

Probably just a good cleaning would do it. Did you get a new float valve and seat with that bowl gasket? On the ones I've done I just got the basic kit on ebay and cleaned the carb up real good and the mowers ran just fine. New Float Needle Valve Seat with Gaskets Fits Tecumseh 631021B 11043 L K | eBay
Here's a vid that shows you more than you really need to know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvkF9QQmtQ0
I think I'd just buy a new carb if I had to do everything this guy does. Be sure you clean the main jet real good. There are threads here that talk about that. I stole this pic

Tecumseh's use a pulse prime system. They don't prime off of clean jets. Even when the Tecumseh's have a dirty carb they will still prime, as long as the tube has a good seal. The emulsion tube, and o rings give the prime. 9 Times out of 10 you are better off spending 40 bucks and buying a new carb with Tecumseh. After the $10 kit, emulsion tube, and o rings you will have 20-25 just in parts. Sometimes the tube comes out ok. Usually it breaks. You won't feel fuel in the primer bulb like you do on briggs classic. Pump Tecumseh 6-8 times when working right should start then.

Mike88se said:

Probably just a good cleaning would do it. Did you get a new float valve and seat with that bowl gasket? On the ones I've done I just got the basic kit on ebay and cleaned the carb up real good and the mowers ran just fine. New Float Needle Valve Seat with Gaskets Fits Tecumseh 631021B 11043 L K | eBay
Here's a vid that shows you more than you really need to know.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvkF9QQmtQ0
I think I'd just buy a new carb if I had to do everything this guy does. Be sure you clean the main jet real good. There are threads here that talk about that. I stole this pic
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Carefully work the primer bulb retaining ring off and remove bulb. Smear some heavy grease on the lip of the bulb, and also
fold over some sandpaper and clean the area where the bulb sits , then when it is clean, put the bulb back on and tap the ring home with the correct size socket.

I have this same problem, the engine only runs when using starting fluid. So I did what I thought was a sure cure and purchased a brand new carburetor and STILL only starts with starting fluid. Any ideas???

unciet said:

I have this same problem, the engine only runs when using starting fluid. So I did what I thought was a sure cure and purchased a brand new carburetor and STILL only starts with starting fluid. Any ideas???

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I am still using starting fluid to get mine started.
If you have replaced the primer bulb following instructions in the previous reply and now the carb is replaced I would assume the problem to be the fuel lines from primer bulb??

I am going to try resealing my new primer bulb and see if that helps. I hadn't tried that yet.

The primer bulb on the Tecumseh's need a firm, press it like your finger is going to pop out the other side, push. Several times.

Let us know if you get it going.