Snapper big six lawnmower?

I have snapper big six engine that is hard to start when cold. It takes 4 ever to start. I prime and pull prime and pull it wants to start then nothing, seems to be flooded after that. Then when it finally starts ,its only stays running for about 5 seconds ..aound like its skipping. It also smokes a little. I would buy a new mower, but due to this economy i rather try to fix this one and keep it. model # is p216012 and serial num is 95070380 hopes this info helps you as it will help me. Im trying to fix asap , thanks it also has a briggs motor 6.0