Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Fuel pump for riding lawn mower, tiny chunks, tank level

Question
QUESTION: I have just replaced the fuel pump and mower still won't start.  I don't see gas in the opaque fuel filter and it does not appear to be gas getting to the pump.  Do I need to prime it somehow before I try to start the engine?

ANSWER: Can you give me the make, model and type numbers of the engine?  Did you replace the fuel lines and the impulse line?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The model is a Ferris 1000 and I have not replaced any of the lines but do have suction on the impulse line. It was running just fine and then suddenly stopped. Do you suggest replacing the lines?
Thanks!

Answer
We almost always replace the fuel and impulse lines when changing the fuel pump or rebuilding the carburetor.  The fuel lines degrade and tiny chunks clog things up.  The impulse line becomes soft from all the oily air that movews through it and the heat and often will collapse.

After that, you can try unbolting the pump from engine and holding it below the tank level.  They don't usually need priming, but I've had a couple that I had to do this on.  Also check that the hose on the fuel tank side of the pump will drain gas when held below the tank level.  Some tanks will have a screen over the drain hole that can get clogged up.

Let me know what you get from this.  Thanks, PK.