Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kohler to Briggs, shipping crate, adjustable regulator

Question
Hello, I have a (2003)JD L110 Had a 17.5 Kohler till it blew. I replaced it with a Briggs I/C AVS 15.5. Everything Lined right up,bolted right in,plugged right in even the exhaust. All except NO FUEL PUMP on the Briggs. I installed a in line 12v 2-4lb.pump,wired it to "key on". It filled the cylinder. I clean & changed oil. Put in an adjustable Regulator set at .5-1.0&1.5lb Ran pretty good but bucks and shutters occasionally. Do I need a return line? I need advice and direction please. I do not want to ruin this engine. Thanks Dave

Answer
Hello Dave:

The Carburetor Float Needle Valve May Require Replacing. I have had Several New Engines (Briggs, Tecumseh, Kohler and Onan) Straight Out of the Shipping Crate that the Carburetor Float Needle Valve was Bad in and had to be Replaced. A 2-4lb or 4-7lb Pulse Pump will Not Harm the Engine or Carburetor. I Use the 4-7lb Pulse Pumps all the Time and Have Never had to Install a Return Line or Make Any Modifications to the Engine or Equipment. The Bucks and Shutters is Usually Caused when the Engine Requires More Fuel than the Carburetor is Providing. Usually 4lbs of Fuel Pressure is Required to Supply the Carburetor with the Proper Gas Supply. I Suggest you Replace the Carburetor Float Needle Valve First. If that Does Not Correct the Problem, then you can Install a 1/4" Return Line to the Tank. A Simple T Installed At the Carburetor Inlet Port will Work to Attach the Return Line to. Remember to Use 1/4" Fuel Line and Not the 5/16" or 3/8" Fuel Line. The Return Line has to be Smaller than the Supply Line. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. 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. 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