We have had a recurring issue with a Scag 48 with a Kawasaki fs548v engine. Twice it has started to run rough and died. Gas was 3 or 4 inches up in the dipstick and fuel was leaking out of the muffler. Took carb apart and cleaned thinking needle was stuck. Did an oil change and it was fine for a week but has happened again. Compression is even on both cylinders it is only 70 psi but manual says minimum is 65 psi. Leaning on a new aftermarket carb. Was thinking possibly fuel pump. Is there a way to test with a vacuum pump?
Check the short pulse line to the fuel pump. If there is evidence of fuel in the tube, the diaphragm is ruptured. Otherwise replace the float valve. No need to replace the carburetor.
