Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): dust in lawnmower, internal passages, lawnmower

Question
i used the mower to mulch a lot of leaves.now it will only run if i prime it and then only for a second. what do i do? if i have to blow out the dirt where do i start.

Answer
If it will only stay running on choke or by priming, the carb is dirty internally.  You will need to remove and clean the carb thoroughly.  This means pushing a piece of tag wire through all of the internal passages and following up with aerosol carb cleaner.  Hope this helps.