grubby, it's an inboard tank.

jaxsprat, no offense taken, believe me. If I knew what I was doing or even thought I did, the carb would already be cleaned if not but to eliminate that as a possible cause of the problem. So rest assured I don't plan on taking it apart. I am trying to cover all the simple things it could be before taking it to the shop. As for the fuel primer bulb, when the motor is running, or right after it dies, the bulb is not hard. I can pump it and make it firm again, but as it runs it softens. Man, it's a good thing everyone here knows we are talking about fuel bulbs.....LOL. Sorry. Anyway, what could that mean if the bulb isn't firm while running? Would it have any bearing on the fouled plug or the lack of power, dying. Obviously if the motor is getting air instead of gas it will die or not start. Could it be as simple as replacing the bulb?