Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs and Stratton 42E707 Fuel Problem, briggs and stratton, craftsman model

Question
John,

I am having the same problem with a new (used) mower I just bought.  Craftsman Model 917.270812 mower, Engine 2631E1, 42E707.

I pulled apart the fuel pump and the big spring & spring base were installed on the carburetor side of the pump diaphragm (sequence of part # 392, 432, 394, then 391 - which is not as shown in the manual.  The manual shows the following sequence of parts (moving away from the carburetor) 394, 432, 392, then 391 (if I am reading the diagram correctly).  The interesting thing is the carburetor has a recessed seat where the spring fits nicely, leading me to believe the spring was installed correctly.  

There are also two really fine springs/wires around a small post on part number 391 - the wire on the carburetor side of the 391 part is broken.

I have a clear fuel filter in line, and can see that no gas is being pulled from the tank.  A small amount of fuel leaks back into it when I pour gas in the carburetor, and the engine will run for a short period when I do so.

Also, when I pulled apart the fuel pump it was bone dry on the 394 side of the pump.  On the 858 side there is a buildup of grit.  Haven't cleaned up the pump or ordered a service kit.

Any ideas?  

Answer
Hello Earl:

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. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Select the Carburetor File. We can Use this Breaddown/Diagram for Reference. The Carburetor is Assemblied as Shown. The Parts Listing is at the Bottom of the Breakdow Picture for Reference. The Small Spring is a Diaphragm Spring Also. If the Pump Housing is Not Cracked or Damaged, then Rebuild the Pump with New Parts. The Carburetor Kit is Briggs #393397 for the 3 Screw Carburetor Pumps and Briggs #693502 for the 4 Screw Carburetor Pumps. When Replacing the Vacuum Hose to the Carburetor Pump, Replace the Spring Type Hose Clamps with the Screw Type Hose Clamps. Assemble the Carburetor Pump According to the Breakdown. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John