Fuel Fuel system problem Craftsman YT4500

I've isolated my problem to the plastic fuel pump. My question can I clean it, and if so what chemical would I use? It is clogged and would like to save it instead of paying $22 for a piece of plastic to Briggs & Stratton who refuses to even accept unused parts back.

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestion

bones312 said:

I've isolated my problem to the plastic fuel pump. My question can I clean it, and if so what chemical would I use? It is clogged and would like to save it instead of paying $22 for a piece of plastic to Briggs & Stratton who refuses to even accept unused parts back.

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestion

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I don't think cleaning would help.
The diaphragm is probably softened and weak from ethanol/gas

also, check that your crankcase suction hose to fuel pump is good.


I would buy a cheap knockoff on Ebay (I have)probably made in the same factory.
Some here recommend against that. A risk at 1/3 to 1/2 the price.


If you ran out of gas, it may not be your fuel pump if you have a suction gas tank.(ex. one under the seat)

When fuel line is unhooked from fuel pump...blow a little air in tank opening(use hand and plastic bag to somewhat seal tank opening) and force lines full of gas.
Hook back up and good to go.

Well you have 2 choices.
1) pay Briggs ( or any of the after market suppliers ) for a new one and risk wasting $ 12 to $ 30
2) sending it to a service center and get charged labour for fitting a new one if needed.

More important why do you think the pump is at fault.
In 5 years and around 1,500 repairs I have only ever replaced 1 impulse pump