Export thread

I have an issue where the engine is not getting fuel. Has been idle for a few weeks but ran fine at that time. I can get it to fire up with starter fluid sprayed into the carb. Won’t stay running. I have checked the lines with no blockages (I blew air through them). Fuel pump seems OK with no obstructions. Seems like a simple device with few moving parts and uses vacuum from the running engine to move fuel (?). I tried venting the tank cap with no change. There is gas in the tank. It seems nuts to replace all the fuel lines and filter but is that the next step? Pump too? Should I pull the lines from each tank and check them out? Should I replace the fuel tank selector valve? Don’t want to spend money just to spend it.

I would appreciate any suggestions. Obviously I am missing something. Thanks in advance.

take the fuel line off at the carb. then crank the engine. if you have fuel spurting out of the end of the fuel line, your pump is probably good and there is a issue in the Carburetor.
give us the model of the engine too, Kohler usually puts it on a silver tag along with other info.
need the model and spec number

Thanks. Kohler SV610 serial 4305116113. Interestingly, the fuel pump has always been dry when I was messing with it. So I took it off and blew it up. One side blew off so I glued it back on with the rubber bellow in place. Now when I pulled the hose off it was wet but not flowing out when I crank it. Ergo, the carb is the issue? I will mess with it tomorrow.

Okay, now i see you have a fuel shutoff solenoid (Anti Afterfire) on the carb. Whenever you turn the key ON, not start, but ON. you should hear a click from that solenoid. fuel should pump out the carb side of the pump when you crank it. If it doesn't also check that the pulse tube from the pulse line on the pump is still secure to the engine block.
it has the single red wire coming from it.

Thanks. I will dig in more tomorrow and report. Thanks again.

Remove the fuel line from the pump to the carb, at the carb. Have an assistant try starting the engine while you hold the line in a glass bottle or jar. Pump about 3-5 oz. into the container. If you have no fuel, your problem is in the fuel delivery system. If you have fuel, problem is in the carb. Also, cover container and shake vigorously. Any cloudiness will indicate water in to fuel.

Fuel is being pumped. Should I replace the fuel shut off solenoid?

Decker said:

Fuel is being pumped. Should I replace the fuel shut off solenoid?

Click to expand...

does it click when you turn the key on? you might also try to place your hand on it to see if you can feel it move.
It would also be wise to be sure power is making it to the solenoid.

It does click when the key is turned on.

so most likely the solenoid is good, and since you're pumping fuel out of the pump, a jet or passage is blocked in the carb.
Did you do what Rivets said to check for water in the fuel,also?

Gas is good. I took off the carb and blew it out as best I could without totally disassembling it. I do not have a wonderful record on getting them back together in the best of shape. I am thinking to just put it back on and see what the scoop is. Is there anything I should try before putting it back on?

that carb is fairly simple to take apart, apart from the fact you need a SKINNY, 1/2" wrench to take off the solenoid.

OK. So I took it apart and blew it out and reassembled it. In the process of reinstalling it I found a spring that is about 1/2” round by 1/2” high. I suspect it belongs in the fuel pump and went flying when I accidentally blew the back off the other day. If this is the case, where does it go, between the internal plastic and the rubber bladder flap?

post a picture of it.

The pump. When reassembling, should it be glued together?

Now I see how it should be. Spring goes in the center of the piece with one fuel port.

Sorry, to tell you the truth I’ve never had one apart, but I would probably glue it together as they are normally a non repairable part.

I glued it. Reinstalled (air filter off). Tested....no joy on normal start attempt. Added starter fluid....bingo. It runs but is rough. Repeated this sequence with the same results a couple of times So there is still something out of whack. If nothing else I can get it running to put on the trailer to take it to the shop.

Decker said:

I glued it. Reinstalled (air filter off). Tested....no joy on normal start attempt. Added starter fluid....bingo. It runs but is rough. Repeated this sequence with the same results a couple of times So there is still something out of whack. If nothing else I can get it running to put on the trailer to take it to the shop.

Click to expand...

might need actual caburetor cleaner to clean the carb out.