I have a Yard Machine 5.5hp 2-stage snow blower. I bought it used but I think it is a lightly used 2004+-. I use the primer bulb and it will start within 2 pulls, runs beautifully. I slowly open the choke as it warms (5 mins). Engine continues to run great for about 10 minutes and then dies like it starved for gas. Primer ball it and pull to have it start right up and run great for another 2-5 minutes. It will die again as if it ran out of fuel. This cycle will continue but each time it will run for less time and be more difficult to start until I am fuming and have to put it away. The fuel is fresh. I did notice a small drip of gas on a screw and spring going into the carb.

plug in Electric start. Push Choke to 'ON'. press Primer Bulb about 2 times. Turn Key to 'ON' Press Starter.
If you didn't run it completely dry of Gas last season I bet the Ethanol gas messed up your carburetor

Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower Parts

Single Stage Snow Throwers by MTD Products

Yard Machines Snowblower Parts

Yard Machines Snowblower Parts

be sure to check in blower housing (the round part) that impeller isnt frozen at the bottom
can also take off belt guard (2bolts) and check to be sure belts are on correctly

The bulb usually doesn't feel that way, you're thinking of a small 2-cycle machine where the bulb will fill up with fuel and offer resistance when pushed. A primer on a snowblower is merely to get fuel flowing to the carb from the tank, whereas the bulb on 2-cycle items actually purges air from the fuel circuit. If you keep pressing the primer you should see fuel drip from the carb inlet. Btw, if you see where an air filter might be on other motors, a little metal cup looking thing, try removing the bolts and flipping it over so the fuel drips out easier and snow doesn't have the chance to fall into it if it were facing up. Once you see fuel dripping out, provided you ran it dry last season when you put the blower away and the carb isn't gummed up with varnish, it should start on full choke. Give it about 3-5 seconds and move it to half choke. Once it seems to want to run on its own, open the choke completely and you should be warmed up and ready to go. Also always remember to let engines idle a bit to cool down if you've been running them at high rpms.

clean out the carb and jets ,add fuel system cleaner and away you go.if no go use easy start

The primer ball can be bought at any local mower shop. Just ask for a primer bulb. Remove the screws (usually 2) next to the bulb and remove the plate around the bulb and it should pop right out.