Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): No Start Sears Model 917.256660 19 HP, fuel line filter, fuel spray

Question
1996 Model. Engine stopped running immediately during operation. Gas level ok, but found clogged fuel line & filter. Changed all fuel lines & filter. No effect. Changed fuel pump kit. No effect. Put gas in carburetor bowl itself and engine starts up , runs great until fuel is used up from bowl. Disassembled carb and cleaned intensely with varsol, holes probing, hot water boiling. No effect. Put quick start fuel spray directly into carb choke hole, engines starts up runs until spray effect is gone. Carb does not seem to take in fuel but engine likes what it can get. What else should I look for. Thanks..Bill

Answer
Check the vaccuum hose running to the fuel pump.  I would also check the valve breather...sometimes the valve sticks which affects engine vaccuum.

Were there 2 small springs in the fuel pump?
Can you remove the top halve of the carburetor while leaving the fuel pump attatched to the manifold?  If so you can check to see if the fuel pump is pumping fuel into the carburetor bowl.

Let me know.
Eric