Sears SS/16 hard to start

[IHCubCadet147]

Yesterday I went to use my Sears and it wouldn’t start. I checked the spark and it was good on both cylinders. I poured some gas in the carburetor and it fired right up. I used it for about and hour and it ran good with no issues. Parked it and came back a half hour later to put it away, and it took a little longer than normal to start. Last weekend I had it out, the first time it started easy, then I shut it off and it was hard to start after that. This happened 2 more times. I tried it with the choke open and closed, didn’t seem to make a difference.
Is this a sign of the fuel pump going bad or something? This tractor always started easy before. I’m going to try it again when I get home and see what it does after sitting.

 

[MNGB]

They are known for having a weak fuel pump when I had mine I got tired of those starting problems and installed a low pressure electric pump worked good, another question is there an inline fuel filter if so its not recommended on them there is a fuel screen as part of the tank outlet connection. If you decide to go with the electric pump the carb/fuel pump needs to be disabled by disconnecting the crankcase pulse line and capping it off

 

[Jazz]

I had similar issue with my SS16 when I bought it 10 years ago, installed electric fuel pump as I had one handy. I did cap the crankcase pulse line.

 

[4getgto]

They are known for having a weak fuel pump when I had mine I got tired of those starting problems and installed a low pressure electric pump worked good, another question is there an inline fuel filter if so its not recommended on them there is a fuel screen as part of the tank outlet connection. If you decide to go with the electric pump the carb/fuel pump needs to be disabled by disconnecting the crankcase pulse line and capping it off

You say low pressure fuel pump.
How low is low ?

 

[MNGB]

I used a 3 to 5 psi pump if want one to out last the SS16 buy a Facet but the off shore one work and sometimes you get one that last and others don't

Amazon.com: Facet-Purolator New Solid State Fuel Pump 12V 3-4.5Psi, 12" /30.48Cm Min Dry Lift 6558398 D72347 : Automotive

Buy Facet-Purolator New Solid State Fuel Pump 12V 3-4.5Psi, 12" /30.48Cm Min Dry Lift 6558398 D72347: Electric Fuel Pumps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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OSIAS 12v Universal Low Pressure Gas Diesel Electric Fuel Pump EP500-0 | eBay

Electric Fuel Pump. Output pressure: 0005 PA. ===========. Width: 80mm.

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[CRF6179]

You say low pressure fuel pump.
How low is low ?

I used a 3 to 5 psi pump if want one to out last the SS16 buy a Facet but the off shore one work and sometimes you get one that last and others don't

Amazon.com: Facet-Purolator New Solid State Fuel Pump 12V 3-4.5Psi, 12" /30.48Cm Min Dry Lift 6558398 D72347 : Automotive

Buy Facet-Purolator New Solid State Fuel Pump 12V 3-4.5Psi, 12" /30.48Cm Min Dry Lift 6558398 D72347: Electric Fuel Pumps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I use a facet on my cub 682. Got it from NAPA. Been on there about 8 years.

 

[IHCubCadet147]

Thanks for the replies. I tried it Tuesday and it started easy. If I continue to have issues I’ll look into one of those electric fuel pumps.