Alternative to awful Kohler fuel pump inside valve cover?

[grweldon]

After about 4 years of use on my 25HP Kohler (CH730) the fuel pump quit working.  I replaced it with a genuine Kohler and got another 4 years out of it.  These things are over $130 these days.  Last year I bought a cheap Chinese knock-off.  It lasted less than a year.

So I'm wondering if there might be an alternative type of fuel pump that any of you have used to replace your "less-than-ideal" original Kohler fuel pump and if so, how is it working out?

Thanks y'all!

[Magicman]

I can not help you with your fuel pump issue, but Welcome Home Glen.  8)

[sawguy21]

How many hours on each pump?

[chet]

Don't know if you have electric start, but if you do, I would just switch to an electric fuel pump and be done. I've done it on quit a few small engines, the last being an Onan.

[ladylake]

 Get yourself a carter p60430 from ebay or amazon for under $40.  They last lots of hours.  There are cheaper pulse type ones but they dont last.  You need to mount it no more than 1 foot above the fuel tank.  steve

[grweldon]

How many hours on each pump?

About 40 on the first two original Kohler, about 5 on the Chinese knock-off.  I use ethanol-free fuel...always...  Thanks for the reply...

[grweldon]

Don't know if you have electric start, but if you do, I would just switch to an electric fuel pump and be done. I've done it on quit a few small engines, the last being an Onan.

Thank you for the reply. I do have electric start.  I was thinking about electric but wouldn't I need to have a return line? 

[grweldon]

Get yourself a carter p60430 from ebay or amazon for under $40.  They last lots of hours.  There are cheaper pulse type ones but they dont last.  You need to mount it no more than 1 foot above the fuel tank.  steve

I just looked this up.  Sounds like it might be the way to go.  Other than hardwiring with a switch, I'm not exactly sure how else to wire.  Ignition switch is part of the engine.  Also, as I asked previously, wouldn't an electric have to use a return line to the tank?  Wouldn't the pressure at the float needle would be too great otherwise?  Thanks for your reply.

[grweldon]

I can not help you with your fuel pump issue, but Welcome Home Glen.  8)

Thank you Lynn!  I've been gone too long.  Not doing much sawing but I'm thinking real hard about preparing to!

[Wlmedley]

Don't know what would be causing pumps to fail so soon.I have the same engine in a welder and a cub cadet mower both with over 600 hours on each and haven't had a fuel pump failure. I did have one go bad and dump gas in my crankcase on a air compressor which was on a service truck but it also had a lot of hours on it.Replaced pump and changed oil and had no further problems.

[grweldon]

I would think that being stored outside uncovered has something to do with it. ;D

[ladylake]

Get yourself a carter p60430 from ebay or amazon for under $40.  They last lots of hours.  There are cheaper pulse type ones but they dont last.  You need to mount it no more than 1 foot above the fuel tank.  steve

I just looked this up.  Sounds like it might be the way to go.  Other than hardwiring with a switch, I'm not exactly sure how else to wire.  Ignition switch is part of the engine.  Also, as I asked previously, wouldn't an electric have to use a return line to the tank?  Wouldn't the pressure at the float needle would be too great otherwise?  Thanks for you  T

These fuel pumps are made for cars with no return lines and run at 5 or 6 # pressure.  Mine is diesel with a return line.  Mine seem to last around 4000 to 5000 hours, I did have one that didn't last very  long .  I tried those cheaper pulse type ones but never got more than a couple of month out of them Steve

[esteadle]

On my TH 30 I have a CH730 like yours.

The internal fuel pump on the engine is supplemented by a standard OEM Napa fuel pump that pushes fuel from the drip bowl under the tank, up thru about 12' of fuel line to the engine (and there is an inline fuel filter just before the engine intake port).

I had to replace that drip bowl original fuel pump after about 5 years and I picked up a regular old 12v pump replacement from Napa for like 20 bucks. It's been 15 years and the replaced pump works perfectly. I'd suggest modding your setup to do this if you don't already have a second pump. 

Best of luck to you,

ERX

[ladylake]

 
 Just put on a good electric pump mounted down by the tank and bypass the engine pump. No need for 2 pumps.  Steve

[moodnacreek]

Don't know if you have electric start, but if you do, I would just switch to an electric fuel pump and be done. I've done it on quit a few small engines, the last being an Onan.

That is what everyone says. I have had worse luck with small electric pumps than diaphram  style. It seams that these days any non oem parts are worthless like coils, pumps, carbs, etc.

[ladylake]

 The carter 60430 is a rotary pump and last a long time, the pulse type ones dont last on my mill.  Steve

[stihltoomany]

Get pump with 2.5-4 psi. Should work fine no return needed.

[grweldon]

Thanks to all for your recommendations.  Looks like I'll most-likely go with the Carter that Steve (LadyLake) recommended.  I'll update when it gets done...might be a few weeks!