Wheel Horse Fuel Pump Woes

[dsmith41]

I finally got a new fuel pump for my 1980 Wheel Horse 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 the pump 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.

Any ideas on what to do next?

 

[HM12460]

Plugged fuel filter, plugged breather vent on gas cap, pinched fuel line, sucking air and not fuel from around a fitting. Shouldn't be to hard to get to the cause. Good tractor btw.

 

[morris]

some times the fuel suction hose gets cracks in it. letting it suck air not fuel. after working hydraulics for many years this can happen easily. any pump will pull air before liquid, but the same hole on the pressure will not leak liquid. coat fittings with grease will tell you a lot.

 

[exranger06]

I don't think you burned up the starter; I think you just wore down the battery. Try recharging it or jump starting it.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: HM12460
Plugged fuel filter, plugged breather vent on gas cap, pinched fuel line, sucking air and not fuel from around a fitting. Shouldn't be to hard to get to the cause. Good tractor btw.


That would be where I'd start. You may have replaced the fuel pump when you didn't need to.

FWIW, I've had ~30yr/old Kohler K's with their original fuel pump on them still.

 

[dsmith41]

Thanks guys. I know the fuel pump needed replaced because it was leaking. It worked fine, just had a massive leak where the rubber diaphragm had worn out so I just got a new one. I plan on getting a new fuel line and a new screen. It doesn't have a fuel filter, just a screen Iin the bottom of the tank. Btw the rubber seal around that screen broke while I was looking at it. I think every rubber part on this little 33 year old tractor needs replaced.