Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Kawasaki 19 hp on zero-turn mower, engine crankcase, suction hose

Question
Engine about 2 yrs old, 350 hours.  Starts easily, but surged at any speed below full throttle after 1st year.  Changed fuel pump, blew back all fuel lines, checked carb bowl (clean, no water), replaced in-line filter.  No improvement. Now engine dies sporatically and no fuel shows in the filter.  Got to be a fuel line/pick-up issue, right???  Have not dumped tanks or fished out fuel suction hose.

Answer
Lets systematically troubleshoot this.

    Loosen fuel cap and see if symptom goes away..if so replace cap....Vent is plugged

    Remove fuel line from fuel pump that goes from pump to carb.  Crank engine over and see    if   fuel comes through the hose.  If it doesnt, check the hose that goes from the fuel pump to the engine crankcase for cracks, tears, etc..  Check the fuel pick up tubes, etc as well at this point.

If you have a steady fuel flow out of the fuel pump, you have a dirty carb.  Your carb needs to be replaced and or removed and cleaned. The problem you describe sounds like a partially obstructed main jet or nozzle. Check prices on new carb versus repair as sometimes cleaning doesnt work and you have to replace carb anyway.

Hope this helps