I need help with this motor running a water pump for a volunteer fire grass fire setup. Engine and pump are 5yrs old with an outboard motor style fuel tank sitting beside the engine. Just started to stall shortly after starting. I noticed the filter drains then stalls. Engine will keep running if primer ball is squeezed continuously. We changed out the filter and clamps with no change. Checked hoses and screen from tank to diaphragm pump. If I unhooked the hose at the carb I get very little fuel flow if any while cranking over the engine. If I squeeze the primer ball I get a good squirt of fuel. Higher RPM will drain the filter quick, not sure where the air is coming from as the filter seems sealed and is not leaking. Fuel is the issue but any help figuring this out would be great. I'm told the fuel pump is not a lift pump, maybe it's too week to keep constant pressure to the carb. Fuel shut off solinoid seems to be working. Engine runs great while it has fuel.

 

hello i am a volunteer fire fighter, so i know how it is with older equipment we never use our brush rig anymore. Sounds like the primer might me the cause of this, after its primed the filter should stay full of fuel. They have seals inside them that either go bad or get clogged with crap from fuel sitting for a long time without moving. Good Luck and be safe.