Trying to get my 416-8 to run

[Keith R 29]

I’m having trouble getting the fuel pump to pick up. The tractor will fire if I put fuel in the carb. Witch is slightly difficult lol

[WHX?? 53,561]

Start at the fuel tank all the way to the carb. Check the pick up in the tank for clogged & the fuel filter. Cap vent open?  Petcock open? ... hey it happens.  Consider replacing fuel line if questionable. Next would be the fuel pump. Disconnect the line at the carb and see if it quirts in a little cup. if you have fuel to the carb only thing left might be the carb itself. Stuck float or just plain dirty. 

[ri702bill 10,852]

It may need a little "positive reinforcement". Using a large rag and shop air at about PSI lightly pressurize the tank to force the fuel into the line.

One other item - the fuel shut off may have a fine mesh cylindrical filter inside the tank. Some do, some don't. In the absence of fuel, the sediment on it can solidify, blocking the flow of fuel. Time for a new shut off & grommet??

[953 nut 63,447]

11 hours ago, WHX?? said:

Disconnect the line at the carb and see if it squirts in a little cup

Jim @WHX?? has you headed in the3 right direction.   In my opinion if the fuel pump is questionable this would be a great time to switch  to a low pressure electric pump.

Lots of threads about them on here https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?q=electric fuel pump&quick=1

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,896]

Many do not realize the importance of fresh supple fuel hoses. The rubber must be soft enough to grip the hose nipples. What happens is the pump suction will pull a bubble of air between the hose and the nipple and then it expands that air bubble to a teaspoon full size with each vacuum stroke and not having duration enough to pull fuel with it before the next stroke happens. They will allow air to get sucked in but not leak fuel out so does not get noticed. That is why fresh fuel hose often fixes a fuel starvation problem or an electric pump installed at the tank works. The fuel between the pump and the carb is never under a vacuum so air is never drawn in.

[Keith R 29]

3 hours ago, ri702bill said:

It may need a little "positive reinforcement". Using a large rag and shop air at about PSI lightly pressurize the tank to force the fuel into the line.

One other item - the fuel shut off may have a fine mesh cylindrical filter inside the tank. Some do, some don't. In the absence of fuel, the sediment on it can solidify, blocking the flow of fuel. Time for a new shut off & grommet??

I’ll try this after bit. Woke up with a cold and 2 wild children. Hahahaha 

[Wishin4a416 2,378]

I also have to do the air and rag trick on my 312. I do have a new Facet pump but to cold to install yet. Dont forget to turn your regulator down. I have also had luck jacking up the rear of the tractor with the floor jack to get fuel outlet higher than the carb. 

[953 nut 63,447]

53 minutes ago, Wishin4a416 said:

acking up the rear of the tractor with the floor jack to get fuel outlet higher than the carb. 

I backed my 310-8 up on a pair of ramps for a while until I did the right thing and replaced the pump with an electric.                    it did work.

[Keith R 29]

Turns out I can barely get air through the rubber fuel line and fuel will not flow. What line have people had the best luck with? And what size?

[953 nut 63,447]

Most of us use 1/4" rubber fuel hose available at ant auto parts store, get some new clamps and a fuel filter while you are there,

[WHX?? 53,561]

1/4 inch ID and a fuel filter. I buy the rubber stuff bulk in the jungle.  Some of the other guys use the blue stuff and like it. @ebinmaine might have a source for it. Just harder to work with in the cold. I would definitely pull the gas cock to check and replace the rubber grommet. 

[WHX?? 53,561]

1 minute ago, 953 nut said:

available at ant auto parts store,

Yes they will sell it by the foot. 

[ebinmaine 76,272]

23 minutes ago, Keith R said:

Turns out I can barely get air through the rubber fuel line and fuel will not flow. What line have people had the best luck with? And what size?

 

13 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

rubber stuff bulk in the jungle.  Some of the other guys use the blue stuff and like it. @ebinmaine might have a source for it.

 

I started using that several years ago because I could see the fuel through the line. I like that quite a lot. Problem is, it was going stiff and needing to be replaced after about 2 to 3 seasons.

 

A year or two ago I switched over to the one my local small engine shop recommends and uses. Actual Briggs & Stratton part number. I am now buying that in bulk. Bill's Place may be the cheapest one. Not sure. The part number is, 395051r. That's a 25-ft roll.

 

What I like about this stuff over the regular rubber is, it's quite a bit more flexible. A lot easier to use. Does not kink on sharp corners anywhere near as badly.

[sqrlgtr 1,640]

I recommend 30r9 rated or above holds up better to today's fuel. I use 30r14rated but probably over kill but I get a good deal on it at auto parts store. I personally like the looks of the black fuel line better.