Fuel Pump Woes Continue....

[Antiquated 3]

I finally got a new fuel pump for my C-145 with a Kohler K321 engine.  I installed it today and could not get the tractor to fire.  I poured gas into the carb and it will start but as soon as it burns off that gas, it dies.  I pulled the fuel line from the inlet on the pump and it was bone dry - not getting anything.  Any ideas why it's not pumping gas?  I looked it over and it sounds like it works if I push on the rod that runs off the cam.

 

Oh and one more thing.  In all my attempts to get the thing to fire, I did exactly what I was trying not to do.  I think I burned up the starter.  It has gotten to where it turns really slow with hardly any power at all.  After a couple tries it will hum and not even turn the starter at all.  Sigh....  So I can replace the starter fairly easily but I still need the engine to receive fuel for me to get anywhere with it.    

[rmaynard 16,342]

Be sure that when you install the pump, the lever is on top of the cam. Also, if you disconnect the fuel line coming from the tank and hold it lower than the tank, fuel should run out by gravity.  Make sure that the fuel filter is not clogged, and check the screen inside the tank.

[squonk 43,899]

If all else fails install an electric pump. It works slick. I had all kinds of fuel problems until I installed this:

 

 

 

[MalMac 1,332]

The last couple of fuel pumps I have installed. They work great but for the life of me I could not get them to initially draw fuel from the tank. I had to prime the dry line, after that I had no problem, This has only been the last couple I have put on out of all the ones I have put on over the years. Don't know if something has been change with the newer plastic pumps or what. But after priming they were just fine and I mean priming the line and the carb. Hopes this helps.

[Hodge71 665]

The last couple of fuel pumps I have installed. They work great but for the life of me I could not get them to initially draw fuel from the tank. I had to prime the dry line, after that I had no problem, This has only been the last couple I have put on out of all the ones I have put on over the years. Don't know if something has been change with the newer plastic pumps or what. But after priming they were just fine and I mean priming the line and the carb. Hopes this helps.

 

 

True!!! Its not only you...I have had the same issues as well

[tunahead72 2,548]

This is a fairly common problem with the Kohler K-series engines.  Assuming everything else is OK with your fuel system, priming the pump as Bob (rmaynard) and the others have suggested should get you started.  If not, there are other threads on this issue here on RedSquare.

 

As far as your starter, are you sure you just haven't drained your battery by trying to start it so many times?  If you have a test meter, check the voltage across the two battery terminals.  You should ideally read at least 12.6 volts at rest to give you your best chance of starting it.

[can whlvr 994]

in too have had problems priming pumps,i check them but putting one end in a small container of fuel and hand pump too see if it pumps

[Bill Allert 68]

Besides priming the pump as mentioned, make sure you don't have any air leaks before the pump & are sucking air. Check for looses hoses/clamps, cracks in hose, leak at filter, etc. If all checks out & you still have problems, you might want to repl the fuel hose on the suction side. Once in a blue moon they will collapse on the inside & block off fuel.

[wallfish 18,187]

My daughter came around the corner of the house one day while I was working on some tractors. She screams " WTF are you doing, kissing your tractors now?

 

I was blowing air into the gas tank to pressurize it for priming the pump. I still get made fun of for kissing my tractor.

(She didn't use the word kissing so use your imagination but this is a family site so I improvised) 

[Coadster32 793]

My daughter came around the corner of the house one day while I was working on some tractors. She screams " WTF are you doing, kissing your tractors now?

 

I was blowing air into the gas tank to pressurize it for priming the pump. I still get made fun of for kissing my tractor.

(She didn't use the word kissing so use your imagination but this is a family site so I improvised) 

 

 

Now that's funny right there!   (Sounds like something my wife would say )

[groundhog47 347]

My daughter came around the corner of the house one day while I was working on some tractors. She screams " WTF are you doing, kissing your tractors now?

 

I was blowing air into the gas tank to pressurize it for priming the pump. I still get made fun of for kissing my tractor.

(She didn't use the word kissing so use your imagination but this is a family site so I improvised) 

HA,ha, have been known to try that, and it does kinda work, sounds like what I would hear from daughter or wife!!