Sounds like you guys are on it. Your engine is starving for fuel. Remember the basics, air, fuel and spark. Anyway look into the carb throat when you hit the primer bulb. You should see a small shot of gas jump up into the air stream. I don't know about a primer bulb on a Tech, but if it's like a Briggs, there's no fuel behind the bulb. A Briggs is not like a 2 cycle weed trimmer either where you can see fuel inside the bulb. You might need to remove the carb and clean it. Get an ultrasonic cleaner and soak the carb. Or better yet, if available, get a new Chinese carb off ebay for $15.00 and call it a day. Those cheap new carbs are wonderful. Old carbs are not even worth cleaning and messing with. Most likely the throttle shafts and such are worn out plus other parts.......
slomo