John Deere js63c push mower

A customer dropped off a Toro Model 20071 with a 2007 serial number. Mower will run on starting fluid but not on its own. I completely cleaned the carburetor, but it wasn't very dirty. I followed the priming instructions carefully and I know gasoline is flowing from the tank to the float bowl, but no further. I have a replacement primer assembly, but the snap ring set up looks like it will be detroyed when it is picked out of there. Am I missing anything here? Does the small diaphagm that is attached to the primer continue to be a key component in moving fuel from the float bowl to the intake valve area?

I have a Ranch King 18/46 lawn tractor with a Briggs & Stratton 18 HP and need to know how to remove the starter for repair. Not knowing, it looks like I need to remove the fly wheel and I'm hoping there's a way without doing this. I only see one bolt to the right of the starter and two on top and one's under the fly wheel. Please help. Thanks, keeze