JCM 10,225 #1 Posted July 28, 2019 (edited) Interested in your opinions on a fuel pump replacement difference on Kohler Part #47 559 11-S @ $176.00 vs Stens @RCPW # 520564 for 60.00. The stens pump mentioned not compatible with greater than 10% ethanol fuel. I have used the Kohler pumps on a few other WH and prefer OEM but the $ seem to go up considerably each time I need one. I did get many years and hours from the original which is more important than a good deal and have issues because I chose the wrong one. All opinions and comments appreciated. Thanks Edited August 5, 2019 by JCM Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 72,706 #2 Posted July 28, 2019 Wouldn't be fair of me to comment on the parts specifically because we have no newer style horses. You mention ethanol. There are few or no stations in Maine selling anything higher than 10% ... Right now. We use ethanol free gas in all our small engines. It's only 15 minutes away from us. You don't have a great access for that nearer to you. Sanford airport is in the listings but doesn't always have it available. Brentwood NH and North Hampton NH both show it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BOB ELLISON 2,981 #3 Posted July 29, 2019 Jcm why don't you rebuild your pump?? If it's an original you can get a rebuild kit from Then and now. Here's there add. You can contact them to make sure it fits. http://www.then-now-auto.com/kohler-fuel-pumps-2/ 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,354 #4 Posted August 2, 2019 People seem to have luck with the Then and Now kits. Jim, has the pump actually failed, pushing fuel into the engine's crankcase. Or is it just not pumping? 9x out of ten I find the valves will suddenly stick for no reason. I've only had one bad diaphragm and it was on a newer plastic unit. Like I said at Eliot. The STENS unit will work.. not a fan, but it works. I could buy several pumps for my pickup truck for what Kohler wants for a small engine unit. I'd see about just planing out your old halves and a new kit for internal parts. ..If it's even truly failed. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,059 #5 Posted August 2, 2019 I am not sure what year Kohler started using the newer type fuel pumps, but they are a throwaway plastic pump that does not have replaceable valves. If it has the funky looking "O" Ring rather than a gasket then it is the newer style disposable junk. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richmondred01 2,307 #6 Posted August 5, 2019 When I rebuild engines for people I typically install the aforementioned throw away pumps. They work well and last a few years and you can find them for under $20.00. That’s a very easy part to replace and either it works or not. For the purest, I rebuild the aluminum ones. i would say, keep the original one because someday you may want an original engine, but buy the rebuild kit now because there will come a time when they won’t be available. In the mean time, get two of the throw always, install one and keep the other around for when it expires. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,059 #7 Posted August 5, 2019 3 hours ago, richmondred01 said: rebuild engines for people I typically install the aforementioned throw away pumps. They work well and last a few years and you can find them for under $20.00. Why spend $ 20.00 to get a few years service when a rebuilt Kohler pump will give you thirty years of service. I probably won't be around thirty years from now, but I rebuild the ones that will last for $ 30.00 and a few minutes work. The R/R (remove and replace) portion of the job is the same either way. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richmondred01 2,307 #8 Posted August 5, 2019 5 minutes ago, 953 nut said: Why spend $ 20.00 to get a few years service when a rebuilt Kohler pump will give you thirty years of service. I probably won't be around thirty years from now, but I rebuild the ones that will last for $ 30.00 and a few minutes work. The R/R (remove and replace) portion of the job is the same either way. Good point. However, if one continues to utilize alcohol/gas the the rebuilt pump will fail in do course. Either way the alcohol effect on the degradation of the seals is the issue. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 10,225 #9 Posted August 5, 2019 @953 nut @richmondred01Thanks for the comments. I did replace the fuel pump on the 312-8 & the c-165-8 both with oem Kohler pumps.I plan on buying 2 repair kits for the oem pumps I removed for a later date,as @Stepney recommended the then and now kits are they the only place to obtain those, and what is the difference between the stens pump vs the Kohler pump? Thanks again Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goofey 89 #10 Posted August 5, 2019 (edited) why not go electrical. Be gone with the risk of busting an engine because of gas in oil. yeah yeah I know. It ain't original. But to me it look a whole lot like an upgrade. Edited August 5, 2019 by Goofey 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
