K341 aftermarket fuel pumps??

[ecsi635j 34]

Hello All

I'm in need of a replacement fuel pump for my Kohler 16hp K341 and was wondering who might have first hand experience with using the after market  replacement fuel pumps you find every where online with prices ranging from approximately 10 to 35.00. I would imagine most are  made in China.

I've already considered going with converting over to either the pulse type fuel pump or electric type. both of which require some degree of alteration either in the form of making a block off plate or adding the needed wiring and finding a mounting location and dealing with any additional hard ware.

So in light of keeping things quick and simple  I'm leaning more toward going the direct replacement route

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

I would do a direct replacement, no problems with to much or to little fuel pressure.

[sparkie333 265]

52 minutes ago, Maxwell-8 said:

no problems with to much or to little fuel

I agree and I always try to get a good used one off of another tractor----seller said it was ok it was. Most always they will tell you the truth--On the e-buy.

[sparkie333 265]

Just a note on the 6 engines I have that use the same fuel pump I don't know of ever having to replace one. 5 JD'S and a Wheel Horse. You know for sure it is bad? Just saying.

[ebinmaine 67,760]

I'd advise staying true to Kohler and rebuilding the old one. 

Thenandnow in Massachusetts has rebuild kits. 

[ecsi635j 34]

@ebinmaine I agree, rebuilding the old one would be the optimum way to go. Only thing, this one is plastic, not sure if that's possible? Didn't know about Thenandnow  I heard the older aluminum type were rebuildable, If I could find one that would be ideal!

@sparkie333 I went ahead and disassembled the pump, found it full of rust particles ,don't know where the rust came from being the fuel tank is also plastic. I then did my best to clean out the fuel tank replace the entire fuel line  and made sure the carburetor was clean

rigged up a little clean  1 quart paint can and ran some fuel line directly to the carb , the engine started and ran great.

[OldWorkHorse 3,045]

3 minutes ago, ecsi635j said:

@ebinmaine I agree, rebuilding the old one would be the optimum way to go. Only thing, this one is plastic, not sure if that's possible? Didn't know about Thenandnow  I heard the older aluminum type were rebuildable, If I could find one that would be ideal!

@sparkie333 I went ahead and disassembled the pump, found it full of rust particles ,don't know where the rust came from being the fuel tank is also plastic. I then did my best to clean out the fuel tank replace the entire fuel line  and made sure the carburetor was clean

rigged up a little clean  1 quart paint can and ran some fuel line directly to the carb , the engine started and ran great.

Rust? Maybe contaminated from the fuel store tanks seen some dirty fuel from the store before especially if you fill your portable tanks tight after they fill there main tanks. I'll go to a different gas station if I see them filling there tanks. Also if doing all this work do you have a inline fuel filter? If not might be a good time to toss 1 in the line while its apart. Might save you from going down this road again. 

[ecsi635j 34]

@OldWorkHorseOK, something to that effect could be the origin? figure every thing else in the system is either rubber or plastic.

good suggestion , going with maybe a filter before and after the pump?

[rjg854 11,392]

I would think just one filter before the fuel pump would be enough. 

[ebinmaine 67,760]

15 minutes ago, rjg854 said:

I would think just one filter before the fuel pump would be enough. 

Agreed

[OldWorkHorse 3,045]

48 minutes ago, ecsi635j said:

@OldWorkHorseOK, something to that effect could be the origin? figure every thing else in the system is either rubber or plastic.

good suggestion , going with maybe a filter before and after the pump?

One in between the tank and pump should be just fine. Get clear ones can see how dirty they get change it out wenever you dont like the look of it.

[ecsi635j 34]

Sorry, maybe two filters is a bit overkill

[ecsi635j 34]

@sparkie333I did locate a used fuel pump on the e-buy, guy wants 30.00 plus shipping for the same plastic  type, seems a little high. That's why I was curious about the one's you find online for the same price or a little less just checking to see if anyone has dealt with these.

[squonk 41,171]

I run electric. Not hard to do. Leave the old pump in place for to block off the hole.

[ecsi635j 34]

hum, @squonk , where did you tie in or pick up your power from?

can't say enough, this forum is great!!

Edited January 11, 2021 by ecsi635j

[oliver2-44 9,785]

1 hour ago, ecsi635j said:

 

@sparkie333 I went ahead and disassembled the pump, found it full of rust particles ,don't know where the rust came from being the fuel tank is also plastic. 

 

Since you took the old pump apart and discovered the problem ...it being full of rust.  Clean up your old pump an reinstall it. It will probable work fine.  I've cleaned up a few old ones and there still working. 

Edited January 11, 2021 by oliver2-44

[squonk 41,171]

9 minutes ago, ecsi635j said:

hum, @squonk , where did you tie in or pick up your power from?

can't say enough, this forum is great!!

 

[Goofey 89]

Go electric or put a vacuum pump on. a pump that can easily fill the crank with gas is really not that good of an idea i reckon.

Edited January 11, 2021 by Goofey

[roadapples 6,983]

Put electric on mine and won't go back....

[biged77 113]

Here's another vote for electric.  For my 414-8 I bought a Mr.Gasket 42S from O'Reilleys for $44 a few years ago and have had no problems.  Mounted it under the seat (see photos).  Had to drill one hole, the second one was already there.  As a previous member suggested I installed tubing from the inlet to outlet of the existing pump to seal it off (see photo which also shows the fuel filter).  Some folks remove the existing pump and install a blankoff plate.  I have seen these for sale somewhere on line, don't remember where.

 

To power the pump I ran wires from the lighting circuit and disconnected the lights.  I planned on adding a separate switch but for now just use the light switch.  The vendor says 2 amp draw max, I checked mine and it was quite a bit less so no problem for my 15 amp system. 

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,760]

9 minutes ago, biged77 said:

Here's another vote for electric.  For my 414-8 I bought a Mr.Gasket 42S from O'Reilleys for $44 a few years ago and have had no problems.  Mounted it under the seat (see photos).  Had to drill one hole, the second one was already there.  As a previous member suggested I installed tubing from the inlet to outlet of the existing pump to seal it off (see photo which also shows the fuel filter).  Some folks remove the existing pump and install a blankoff plate.  I have seen these for sale somewhere on line, don't remember where.

 

To power the pump I ran wires from the lighting circuit and disconnected the lights.  I planned on adding a separate switch but for now just use the light switch.  The vendor says 2 amp draw max, I checked mine and it was quite a bit less so no problem for my 15 amp system. 

 

 

Is that a vane style pump with only a slight whine? Not a hammering type?

 

 

[pabird 40]

Fuel Pump KOHLER/47 559 11-S. Type this into the Amazon search bar. I installed one on my C-161 8-speed in 2017 and no more problems. 

[biged77 113]

@ebinmaine

 - Yes it's a rotary pump, just a slight whine.  I let it run about 5 seconds before starting.  

[sparkie333 265]

Well I guess I'm the lucky one never had a problem with my fuel pump on my1976 C160 automatic. 

I guess if the old school stock was getting hard to get I would put a electric one on.   

Oh I forget i have 5 JD with the same fuel pump on them I can't every remember having any trouble with them either.

Edited January 12, 2021 by sparkie333

[sparkie333 265]

15 hours ago, rjg854 said:

I would think just one filter before the fuel pump would be enough. 

Yep just one filter before the pump.