@saxman1 "The funny thing about 'jackssmallengines' is, every time I see it I think 'jackass'." You are much more observant than I, the thought never crossed my mind, however, there must be some validity to it with all the negative stories I read. Many said they charge your credit card before shipping although the site policy states otherwise. I suppose I was just lucky ordering common parts. Not being a gambling man, any future parts purchases will be made at other sites. Thanks for your correct diagnosis of the primer problem being the bulb itself. I have started it three days in a row now, all with three pumps of the primer each time, it started on the first pull each time. It is cold here and is being stored in a enclosed but unheated patio. I will return to my brother in-law in the spring since he will be storing it outdoors (covered). Breaks my heart to see OPE stored outdoors exposed to the elements.

The actual bulbs all work the same way. Pressing the bulb produces small amount of pressure on one side, and a vacuum (or suction) on the other. However, how the are designed to be used depends upon how manufacturer engineered the fuel system. Most "primers" are actually for "purging", where fuel is forced into the carb, but not to the engine. With fuel now in the carb chamber, the engine can draw the fuel and start. Engine with a purge bulb often also have a choke plate. There is a return line on the carb either going back to the tank, or in some older engines simply allows excess to dribble on the ground. Homelite used that system for years on their low-end weedeaters. Cheap but effective. A primer bulb is set up to force fuel thru the carb and into the intake through an additional jet. This provides a rich mixture for starting. Usually a primer equipped engine doesn't have a choke plate, but this is not always the case. Briggs uses an actual primer on their vertical shaft engines, both with Pulsa-Jet carbs and with the Walbro float carbs. In both Briggs cases, there is no choke plate.

Something very low tech I have been experimenting with is a piece of black felt. It's more reflective than I thought, so if I continue with it, I'll try different fabrics. For this, I just cut a square and put a slit in it. I was trying to get some leaf shots. I also used a bigger piece as a background for some flower shots. I just laid it on the hosta and shot from above. (I can't find it, so I must have deleted it for poor quality.) bk Here's a leaf shot from So Sweet.

The fact that it will fire with stating fluid but not run sounds like "classic" plugged jets in the carb. You're looking at a carb teardown and cleaning, either you or a shop. Even "treated" fuel has a finite life. Best to run them dry in the fall rather than take a chance. JMHO Good luck, Ev