I have an mtd yard machine 5 H.P. 22" cut push mower that refuses to stay running. If I pump the rubber primer (bulb?) it starts right up but dies as soon as the gas goes through. If I keep priming it after it starts ,it will keep going, but as soon as I quit the priming, it dies. The mowers been doing this the past several times I've mowed but I've been able to eventually get it to stay running after pushing the primer bulb a lot. Today it acted up real bad. I'd get it to start, but the engine surged a lot and would die after a few minutes of running. Now it refuses to run unless I'm constantly priming it. HELP!! :confused:

You have trash in the carb.. I'd suggest getting a bread tie and some spray carb cleaner, take the carb off and apart and poke (where the bowl nut(nut holds the bowl on) goes into) through those holes and blow them out good with carb cleaner. And blow every and all holes out good with the carb cleaner...

Thanks briggsdude. I'll get some carb cleaner tomorrow. Also, I found that the rubber primer bulb has a hole in the tip of it. Could that cause any problems?

No, it should have a hole in it (that is if it right in the middle) that's so the bulb will pop back out when you push it. (your finger seals it so it squirts gas in the carb)

I took the carb off and thoroughly cleaned every hole I could find, took the float bowl off & cleaned everything, put it all back together and it made no difference. It only runs if I'm pumping the primer bulb. Any other ideas from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Don't think I asked what brand engine... briggs quantum? Side air filter? Or tecumseh?

Yes.The motor is a B&S Quantum with a side mount air filter.

Ahh, did you tear or break up the gasket between the carb and air filter housing? Too tight and squish it, or too loose or tear it, you'll have starting problems.

Yes. I did tear the gasket and tried to use sealer to fix it. :o I guess I'll get a gasket kit and give that a try. Thanks for your help.