Yesterday my mower ((a Toro 6.5 HP Recycler/Electric start: Model number 20018)) ran fine. Today, when I pull the chord, it runs for maybe a half a second and dies. Through research online, I pinpointed it to either the carburetor or the spark plug. I changed the gas out, put a new spark plug in. I than pulled off the carburetor cap/Jet screw off and ran a wire through basically just that part of the carburetor. Still didn't run so I thought maybe the old gas clogged up the fuel line, so I massaged it really good, trying to break up any gunk. After doing this, the mower ran for about 40 seconds, than died again. I than realized the clamp from where the line and the cooperator meet was broke and figured when I massaged the fuel line I had created a vacuum or something, so I popped everything back off and cleaned the hose/re clamped it. Now I'm back to square 1, pull the chord, vroom vroo-DIES.

Do you all think I need to yank the whole carbureator off and clean more holes? Do you think it's the Fuel Line? I know I didn't clean the carb througohly and I did just use a needle and carb cleaner, so I'm open to any advice

Also, if I keep pumping the primer before the engine dies (had friend pulling rope), it will stay running for as long as I am pumping it. As soon as I let go, death becomes her.

The fuel valve in the carb is stuck because you left fuel in it for some time without stabilizer, so basically it's starved for fuel.

Based on the info at Toro.com, you have a float carb and a Tecumseh engine, so you either have some water in the bowl or the fuel valve is stuck.