Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): kohler cv23 s, starter fluid, fuel issues

Question
hello, im having fuel issues with my gravely 152 with a kohler cv23s spec #75614. while mowing it started sputtering like it was running out of fuel and then shut off, the tank was still half full, i disconnected the fuel line from the filter and no fule drained out, i blew in the line and found no obstruction, the fuel filter is not clogged. i re routed the fuel line to go straight from the tank to fuel filter and bypass the tank selector and still no luck. i disconnected the fuel line again and used some starter fluid and it fired right up and ran great, i hooked the line back up and its still not getting fuel, whats next? i did not mess with what looked to be some kind of round fuel splitter on the side of the motor. Thanks

Answer
Is that round fuel splitter you described the fuel pump?  Follow the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine.  Disconnect at the first location the fuel line connects...does fuel flow?

Next, follow the fuel line from the carburetor to the the fuel pump.  You can either dis-connect at the fuel pump or carburetor.  Turn the engine over...gas should shoot out of the line.  If not, then you need to check the vaccum line for the fuel pump.

Below is the service manual link:

http://www.kohlerengines.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/tp_2450_c.pdf

Let me know what you find.

Eric