Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Have an 8 year old Murray Lawnmower from HD with a 5HP Easy Start B & S Quantum engine. 

Tried the typical press prime three times, pull and nothing, press prime a few more times and nothing.  Used to start right up.

Runs only after studdering three or four times with some sprays of an old ether can into the spark plug hole.  Will start again instantly if warm.

Replaced the air filter, spark plug and cleaned out the fuel bowl (was pretty clean) and the carb nut orifices (with spray cleaner and compressed air) along with an oil change.  Using fresh mid grade fuel.  Cleaned up typical dirt and stuff around the carb area.

Could this be a problem with the priming, and if so, what should I do?  What else could it be?

Runs pretty good once it's in use.