A fuel pump is used when the gas tank is mounted lower than the carburetor and gravity cannot be relied on to carry gas through the fuel line. Briggs & Stratton pulse-type fuel pumps have either a plastic or a metal body and develop pressure using the varying vacuum in the crankcase or off the intake manifold, which is created by the motion of the piston and the operation of the crankcase breather. A fitting on the crankcase cover, the dipstick tube, or the intake manifold uses the pulse of air to move the diaphragm and check valves to draw fuel from the fuel tank and into the carburetor.
Where can you find the fuel pump in your small engine?
The fuel pump is typically mounted in one of four places:
On the carburetor
On the engine
Near the fuel tank
Between the tank and carburetor
How to Check Small Engine Fuel Pumps
On a normally operating fuel pump, there should be no gasoline present external of the pump or in the pulse line. If there is fuel present in these locations, or if the pump is simply providing fuel to the engine, then follow the steps below to inspect and replace the pump.
Turn off the fuel valve (if equipped) at the base of the tank where the fuel line is attached.
If there is no fuel valve, stop the flow of gas using a fuel line clamp.
Loosen the mounting screws and remove the pump from the mounting bracket or carburetor.
Check for hairline cracks and other damage to the external surfaces of the pump.
If it is damaged, discard the pump and perform a fuel pump replacement.
How to Fix a Fuel Pump on a Briggs & Stratton engine
With the fuel valve closed or the line clamped, remove the mounting screws.
Then, disconnect the fuel hoses using needle nose pliers to loosen the clips.
Remove the screws and disassemble or replace the pump.
Inspect the body for cracks or other damage. Soak metal parts in all-purpose parts cleaner. The pump body may be soaked for up to 15 minutes.
Check the hoses for cracks, softening or hardening, and replace any worn parts.
Discard old gaskets, diaphragms and springs, and replace them with parts from an original manufacturer's repair kit.
Installation Instructions for Fuel Pump Replacement
Place the diaphragm spring and then the cup over the center of the pump chamber. Also insert a valve spring.
Install the diaphragm, gasket and cover and attach with pump screws. Tighten the screws using a torque wrench.
Attach the pump to the carburetor or mounting bracket, using the pump mounting screws.
Always run the engine after new pump installation or repair to verify that there are no leaks.
Different pumps will include some variants in the part configuration, but these basic instructions can guide you through installing the replacement fuel pump. Round fuel pumps are one of the most common variants. It cannot be repaired, only replaced.
You can also check out our Fuel Pump Replacement PDF for more guidance in replacing this small engine part.
