Costly Fuel Pump Leak

[Antiquated 3]

I fired up my old black hood last weekend and quickly noticed a hefty fuel leak coming from the fuel pump.  I removed the pump from the 14hp Kohler and decided the rubber diaphragm/gasket had just worn itself out over the years.  

 

I called a local parts dealer and they told me I couldn't just buy the diaphragm, I'd have the replace the whole fuel pump and it would cost $140.  Crap.  Anyone have any advice on how to fix the problem without dumping $140 into it?

[brandonozz 168]

I think there are some out there for much less - around $80 if I remember correctly.  I opted to get a electric fuel pump from Napa for $50 dollars and cover the hole in the block with a plate.  Works great so far ( 6 months) but I know others have had done the same and generally seem happy with the move.  Do a search for fuel pumps.

[posifour11 723]

I think Buckrancher, a member here, sells the diaphragm

[546cowboy 302]

Yes that is the price for a new Kohler fuel pump. I know I just found that out last week when I tried to get a kit and those are not available any longer. I have used one of those electric pumps before on a 520H and it worked great. No more cranking until the pump picks up fuel or the battery goes dead. Another thing about those aftermarket pumps though is they are not rated by p.s.i. they are rated by gallons per minute, so watch what you are getting. The ones I have bought were about $40.

Edited May 2, 2013 by 546cowboy

[Marv 983]

I installed an electric pump on my black hood (C145) works great. I also installed one on my C111. I plan to do the same for my D200.

Marvin

[Antiquated 3]

What kind of specs do I look for in an electric pump?  And how do I cover the hole into the cam?  Weld on a plate?  I don't weld...

[pacer 3,177]

I've had an electric on my D-180 for some 20 years ... I just left the old pump mounted on the block acting as a 'stopper'

[maxed500 10]

http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/carbfuel.htm  scroll down about a quarter of the way and you will start to see new aftermarket, reconditioned, and new kohler fuel pumps for sale.  some more scrolling leads to the electric fuel pump info and part numbers good at napa.  Also, like Pacer said, leave old pump on, just disconnect the fuel lines. 

[rmaynard 16,341]

A new fuel pump from Amazon.com will cost you about $29.00 plus shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Fuel-Pump-KOHLER-559-11-S/dp/B0014CA74W

 

A rebuild kit is available from http://www.maritimedragracing.com/antique_auto_parts_cellar.htm

 

Member buckrancher only makes diaphragms for the vacuum type pumps.

Edited May 2, 2013 by rmaynard

[posifour11 723]

A new fuel pump from Amazon.com will cost you about $29.00 plus shipping. http://www.amazon.com/Fuel-Pump-KOHLER-559-11-S/dp/B0014CA74W

A rebuild kit is available from http://www.maritimedragracing.com/antique_auto_parts_cellar.htm.

Member buckrancher only makes diaphragms for the vacuum type pumps.

Ah, thanks for setting me straight.

[brandonozz 168]

I just cut a rectangle out of metal and drilled some holes in the plate and made a gasket to fit.  Took about 15 minutes.

[squonk 43,894]

I've had an electric on my D-180 for some 20 years ... I just left the old pump mounted on the block acting as a 'stopper'

That's what I did on my C-160. Used a Napa 610-1051 pump. Here's some links.

 

 

[Butch 194]

I paid what I thought was around $50 for my 17hp twin Kohler fuel pump. I wouldn't think the 14hp would be much more. Check the usual parts places and check Ebay.

[953 nut 60,219]

Rebuild kits can be found at Then and Now Automotive, 447 Washington St., Weymouth, MA  for $22.50 plus S&H.

Yuo can contact them at 781-335-8860 or Ljthen2@aol.com.  Good luck with your project.

ps, glad you didn't have a fire!