Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn tractor dies going uphill, carburetor body, zama carb

Question
I have a 9 year old KGRO lawn tractor with a 16 hp 2 cylinder B&S engine. The fuel tank is under the seat. The engine has started sputtering when the front of the tractor is higher than the rear even under no load(it seems to be starved for fuel). I have replaced the fuel lines. There appears to be a small fuel pump on the front of the carburetor. Could that be the problem? Are rebuild kits available? Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hello Jim:

If there is No Other Fuel Pump on the Mower, then the Carburetor Fuel Pump is No Operating Properly. I Suggest you First Change the Spring Style Hose Clamps that are on the Vacuum Hose from the Engine to the Carburetor Pump. Sometimes these Spring Clamps Weaken and the Pump Loses Vacuum. If this Does Not Correct the Problem, then I Suggest you Clean the Carburetor and Replace All the Parts Provided in the Carburetor Kit.  The Following is a General Instruction File for Carburetor Cleaning. Even though the Carburetor Looks Clean, the Internal Passages May be Restricted with Varnish that Gas Causes to Build Up over Time. I Suggest you Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor Inlet Port. If the Gas is Free Flowing to the Inlet Port, then  **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air.*** (Do Not Use High Pressure Air for the Zama Carburetors, they have Check Valves for the Primer and these are Usually Blown Out of the Carburetor if Not Careful. Allow the Zama Carburetor to Set on a Drip Pan and Dry)***. Install New Parts if Required.** A Good Kit will have the Pump Diaphragm in it. You can Purchase a Carburetor Kit at your Local Small Engine Service Center or Online at Outdoor Distributors; Ph: 1-877-707-2787. You will Need the Model and Type Numbers Off the Engine to Purchase the Proper Kit. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (XXXXXX) and Type Numbers (XXXX) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John