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i have a Craftsman GT/18 model#: 917. 253744 with a 18hp twin cylinder Briggs and Stratton with model#: 422437 and my problem is the engine will fire with starting fluid and also if there is gas forced into the carb but it soon dies out because there is no more fuel supply i was wondering because after hours of research i have come across some articles that say this engine just consists of a carb and intake manifold but others say that the engine has a fuel pump in the carb i was wondering if anyone knows if this engine has a fuel pump w/ carb or just an ordinary carb or if anybody has any other suggestions as to what it may be PLEASE HELP

Yes there is a fuel pump on the carb. Sounds like the carb and fuel pump needs a good cleaning and rebuilt kit installed on both.

how hard would it be to rebuild i mean can i just do it myself or am i gonna have to pay for someone elso to rebuild them and if so how much will it cost

and can anyone lead me to a place that i could locate the rebuild kit and or a new carb/pump assembly and or part numbers for reference

I have an older B&S 16hp "Twin II" that may have a similar carb as your engine. There is a vacuum operated fuel pump built onto the side of the carb. I agree with the others about rebuilding the pump and carb. Assuming you're not intimately familiar with this particular carb and you have average mechanical abilities, the rebuilding process is not that difficult as long as you pay careful attention to how each part comes off. The gaskets can sometimes look the same no matter which way they are oriented, but usually there will be a difference. If you take your time and clean everything within an inch of its life, you'll have a good running engine in no time. Any local lawn and garden dealer that sells B&S engine parts will probably have the correct rebuild kit in stock. I'm thinking the last rebuild kit I bought for the 16hp was less than $15.

As I recall that carburetors has a main jet that plugs. Just need to remove the bowl and clean out that jet, don't need a kit. Also check your float valve. Also check your fuel filter and fuel lines. Always start small you don't always need a complete overhaul and a rebuild kit.

i am also starting to wonder is it possible that a vaccum line got clogged or has a leak and if so how can i check if it is

Craftsmanman4life said:

i am also starting to wonder is it possible that a vaccum line got clogged or has a leak and if so how can i check if it is

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I thought it was determine that the fuel pump was built into the carburetor. No vacuum lines. Do what I said check all lines and filters first. (Start small) Every time the engine doesn't start you don't rebuild it do you. Just work up the bigger things as you go.

You can find yourself manuals on that tractor online that would be valuable to have on hand now, and in the future for you. Just look for them using the numbers on the tractor. You can also get owners and parts manuals for Briggs and Stratton engines from their web site using the numbers off of the engine.

With the parts manual in hand, you can look up the part numbers for those things you think you might need and find yourself the best price. Best to go to a dealer to get them, if you have one nearby.

reynoldston said:

I thought it was determine that the fuel pump was built into the carburetor. No vacuum lines. Do what I said check all lines and filters first. (Start small) Every time the engine doesn't start you don't rebuild it do you. Just work up the bigger things as you go.

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i didnt see your earlier post until now but i have already cleaned the tank and replaced the fuel filter and lines all the way from the tank to the carb and have full fuel flow but there is no fuel getting into the engine unless forced and as mullins87 said it has a vaccum operated fuel pump thats why i was wondering if there were possiblities of vaccum lines involed in the problem but i havent been able to pull the bowl yet thanks for the advice i will start there and what should i need to clean the main jet

Clean the carb and fuel pump. If you dont rebuild the carb least get rebuild kit for just the fuel pump.

The jet screws out. compress air, tooth pick or anything that fits the hole.

OEM Parts

I was just guessing as to your type number, so you might want to go back and choose the correct type number on the menu.

thank you for all of your guys help i now have the carb removed and im going to clean it thoroughly along with the fuel pump and i will get back to you on what has happened

i have cleaned the fuel pump and carb but i have a few questions where can i find rebuild kits for both the pump and the carb and is the spring on the needle valve under the float supposed to rest on the tab on the underside of the float because when i inspected it it was in the area that the pin goes to hold in the float

Here is the link to the kit Briggs and Stratton Carburetor Kit Part for 16 18 HP Part 491539 | eBay

I dont know about the 16-18hp Lhead twins but the 20hp Lhead twins used 2 different fuel pumps.

Here is what comes in the Kit (If I can get this to work):