We just purchased a reel mower from Lee Valley about three weeks ago. We have about 1/4 acre of lawn surrounding our property and so far have used it twice and are very happy with the product. We have the 20" and find that it now takes much less time to mow than it did with our gas mower. Also, we feel great in that our daughter (13) can help since there's no 'starting' the mower, or blades going a million miles a minute. She actually enjoys using it. :O) We raise butterflies and this was a responsible way to go. The height is set at 2.5 inches, but we may decide to go higher when the heat of the summer hits. It was raining most of last week so the mowing didn't get done until today. The lawn was a bit high and is really thick, but DH said it cut a smooth as a hot knife in butter. I tried it and know he was right. Lee Valley also features seminars in the summer on how to care for your reel mower. I like that... DH is not the most mechanically inclined. :O) We are already signed-up! Here is a link that might be useful: Reel Mower - Lee Valley

Your engine is an LV148EA built by Tecumseh for Electrolux/Sears. Built in the early to mid 2000's, so one of the later Tecumseh before they went out of business. Although you could have primer bulb problems as mentioned above, probable cause is blocked passages behind one or the other welch plugs. Unfortunately carb cleaner by itself won't help. (if gas can't get through, neither can carb cleaner). You need to disassemble carb, pry out the plugs, and then clean out the passages with a fine wire or welding tip cleaners. Then soak in carb cleaner, press in new welch plugs, and then reassemble. The rebuild kit is about $15, and new 640339 carburetor is about $50. The rebuild kit and dealing with the welch plugs takes some technical skill. The complete carb is expensive, but almost foolproof.

Please save the negative comments re Lawnboy 2 cycles. I used mine for 21 years and never, ever had a problem until a crack in the aluminum housing literally pulled the engine apart, it lost compression, and there were no parts available to fix it. Loved that mower, loved the 2 cycle, the scent of the exhaust (reminded me of being out on my boat), and the reliability. Nothing on the market will pick up clippings and leaves as well as that mower did, nothing. Caruso

Mostly 'F' engines, one 'V' up front, one commercial I can see. Definitely worth a lot more than $50 for anybody within driving distance.