Why won't I start now? Fuel pump? or am I barking up the wrong tree?

[dsholler 54]

My trusty 414-8's battery died. Prior to that it was starting and running fine. It took me a while to get a new one (I was busy with other stuff).. so the grass has grown up pretty far. Put in the new battery and now it wont start. In the past, when you have left it sitting for more than a week or so (like I just did) it was always hard to start, and if you left it for a long time you might need to encourage the fuel line to fill before you could start it (the filter would look pretty dry. my usual technique at this point would be to unhook the fuel line downstream from the filter and let it fill up, then hook that hose back up.)  This has been going on for years, and has not appeared to have gotten any worse during that time. 

 

However, this time it sat for just over a week, the filter has fuel in it, but you cannot smell any fuel when you crank the engine. Also, usually you can see the effects of some suction on the fuel in the filter and that is not noticeable, although it is sometimes hard to spot. My guess based on the lack of fuel smell, and lack of visual evidence of suction, and previous issues with fuel being the reason for difficult starting after sitting idle is that the fuel pump is not pulling fuel. But that is pretty weak evidence. is there any way to validate this before I go try to rebuild/replace the pump? 

 

I am not clear how to diagnose this? And the yard is looking pretty unkempt. 

 

 

(other stuff: I did change the fuses as well, but I checked the new ones for continuity and they were fine. (the old ones had dirt inside the casings). It is the same tank of gas that it ran on last time, so I have not gunked up the fuel filter any more than it was before. The fuel hoses are not new (about 7 years old) but when I go into the garage where I keep it, there is no obvious odor of gasoline so I believe they are intact. ) 

Edited July 28, 2020 by dsholler

[SylvanLakeWH 28,399]

May be time to clean whole fuel line system...

 

I put an inline marine pressure bulb on my hard starting C 105 a year ago. Couple pumps of the bulb primes the system and she fires up instantly every time...

 

Just a thought...

[953 nut 59,990]

2 hours ago, dsholler said:

is there any way to validate this before I go try to rebuild/replace the pump? 

The need for a replacement pump has been validated over the past few years based on your statement. Your fuel pump has a couple of check valves and over time they begin to let fuel go back to the tank.  Like @SylvanLakeWH said, this would be a good time to freshen up the fuel system from one end to the other.

[dsholler 54]

Thanks. I guess I have to pony up and buy the new pump and hoses. Man, my lawn is gonna be ugly by the time I get those in. 

[Guest 88vic]

Now's the opportunity to install an electric fuel pump. I know this subject has been tossed around frequently, but you'll never have cranking issues again. As soon as any of my original pumps quit working OR it takes a few cranks before it fires, I install an electric pump. 

[Guest 88vic]

Or you could do the marine primer bulb as @SylvanLakeWH mentioned, I've never done this but im sure itll work just as good, maybe a little more simple as you dont have to run any wires or a possible relay. 

Edited July 29, 2020 by 88vic
Typo

[BOB ELLISON 2,981]

I bought a fuel pump repair kit from 

http://www.then-now-auto.com

And now my fuel pump works as it's supposed to but you have to call the phone number. 

He never answered my emails.

 

[Bill D 2,248]

I went this route when the pump on my dad's tractor died three weeks ago.  Cheaper pump and easy to make the plate.  It's been working great.  The pump shown is a Briggs pump.  I am going to use Kawasaki pump 49040-7008 on my next build.  The discharge port is on the top left side.  Makes for an even cleaner install.

[dsholler 54]

Hmm. I think if I were doing this in November I would try to fit an electric fuel pump.. but as I am sitting here watching my lawn grow I am going to order a direct replacement and slap it in there. The primer bulb seems like a good idea.. no issues with having another check valve in the line? 

 

[SylvanLakeWH 28,399]

19 minutes ago, dsholler said:

Hmm. I think if I were doing this in November I would try to fit an electric fuel pump.. but as I am sitting here watching my lawn grow I am going to order a direct replacement and slap it in there. The primer bulb seems like a good idea.. no issues with having another check valve in the line? 

 

 

Mine works great - no issues. I have seen other posts on here with folks doing the same - that's where I got the idea...