Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere LX178 Fuel Pump, john deere lx178, engine camshaft

Question
Thank you - I have a Deere LX1748 lawn tractor. ZERO problems for 13 years with minimal regular maintenance. Last year the tractor kept getting harder and harder to start but always started. I just had to crank the engine longer before it would start. This Spring I can't get it to start. Changed oil, filter, plug, air filter, gas, etc.. Took off the fuel pump and there was old oil in there. It's definitely not getting gas because the filter doesn't fill up. The pump does have a 'working' diaphragm.  Is the problem my fuel pump ??  Thanks again.

Answer
HI DAVE  

YES IT SOUNDS LIKE THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAMS HAVE PERISHED

ENGINE CAMSHAFT  OPERATES  PUMP & IF  DIAPHRAM PERISHES OIL CAN BE DRAWN IN  AND WILL NOT LIFT
FUEL

IS OIL IN THE FUEL OUT SIDE OF PUMP ?

CAN YOU TAKE FUEL PUMP OFF ENGINE ,CLEAN OUT OIL  FROM DIAPHRAM  AND COUPLE UP FUEL IN AND FUEL OUT HOSES  THEN MANUALY OPERATE PUMP AND SEE IF CAN GET IT TO LIFT FUEL PROPERLY ?

IF  NOT  DIAPHRAM PERISHED OR HAVE HOLES  
SUGGEST THEN REPLACEMENT PUMP


CHEERS LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND


PAUL