Kohler vs Stens fuel pump

[artbuc]

My Kohler Magnum 18S takes a 5255903-S mechanical fuel pump. Bought one and discovered it is made in Korea. Did this after Kohler told me all of their fuel pumps were made in USA. Now that I know the Kohler factory pump is made in Korea, I am thinking about getting the Stens aftermarket, which appears to be identical, for half the price. Can anyone speak to the relative quality/reliability of Kohler vs Stens fuel pumps? Thanks.

 

[SilverC6]

Don't have any experience with either the OEM Kohler or Stens fuel pumps.

At that price difference, I would feel very comfortable using the Stens fuel pump.

It sounds like the only difference in the parts is the box each shipped in.

 

[R80RS]

I've used Stens parts on my OPE (but never a fuel pump) with no problem. Stens appears to repackage/rebrand a lot of their products from other OEMs and aftermarket sources, so if the current Kohler part is a Korean import, there is chance that the Stens part may be identical. I'd personally take a chance on the Stens part if you can get it for half-off.

FWIW, Jack's Small Engine has the Stens pump for $88.54 and the Kohler 5255903S for $76.59, so the OE part is actually a little cheaper through Jack's.

 

[artbuc]

Originally Posted By: R80RS
I've used Stens parts on my OPE (but never a fuel pump) with no problem. Stens appears to repackage/rebrand a lot of their products from other OEMs and aftermarket sources, so if the current Kohler part is a Korean import, there is chance that the Stens part may be identical. I'd personally take a chance on the Stens part if you can get it for half-off.

FWIW, Jack's Small Engine has the Stens pump for $88.54 and the Kohler 5255903S for $76.59, so the OE part is actually a little cheaper through Jack's.


Yes, Stens makes two pumps. One is OE which they actually buy from Kohler and rebox. They are more expensive than Kohler OE. However, they also make an aftermarket pump you can get for $35-40. This suggests the aftermarket pump may be inferior but it may be identical and the different pricing is just a marketing strategy. I asked Stens and they could not or would not tell me what the differences are.

 

[bubbatime]

I've had really good luck with Stens parts. I'd buy the cheaper pump and motor on.