Replacing Gt 300 Mower Fuel Pump: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to change the fuel pump on your GT 300 mower, you've come to the right place. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, from locating the fuel pump to performing the replacement.

First, let's understand what a fuel pump does. It's used when the gas tank is mounted lower than the carburetor, and gravity alone cannot be relied on to move fuel through the line. Now, to locate the fuel pump on your GT 300 mower, look for it near the fuel tank or between the tank and the carburetor. It's typically mounted on the carburetor.

Once you've located the fuel pump, follow these steps to replace it:

1. Turn off the fuel valve at the base of the tank where the fuel line is attached. If there is no fuel valve, use a fuel line clamp to stop the flow of gas.

2. Loosen the mounting screws and carefully remove the pump from the mounting bracket or carburetor.

3. Check the external surfaces of the pump for hairline cracks or other damage. If it is damaged, especially if it has a metal body, it's best to discard the pump and opt for a replacement.

4. With the fuel valve closed or the line clamped, remove the mounting screws.

5. Disconnect the fuel hoses using needle-nose pliers to loosen the clips.

6. Remove the screws and disassemble the pump.

7. Inspect the body of the pump for any cracks or other signs of damage. If the pump has metal parts, soak them in an all-purpose parts cleaner for up to 15 minutes.

8. Check the hoses for any cracks, softening, or hardening. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

9. Discard old gaskets, diaphragms, and springs, and replace them with new ones from an original manufacturer's repair kit.

10. For the new pump, place the diaphragm spring and the cup over the center of the pump chamber, and insert a valve spring.

11. Install the diaphragm, gasket, and cover, and secure them in place with the pump screws. Tighten the screws with a torque wrench.

12. Finally, attach the new pump to the carburetor or mounting bracket using the pump mounting screws.

Always run the engine after installing a new pump or performing a repair to ensure there are no leaks.

Where is the fuel pump located?

The fuel pump in a small engine is typically mounted in one of four places. The first is on the carburetor, near the fuel tank. The second is between the tank and carburetor. The third is on a fitting on the crankcase cover, and the fourth is on the dipstick tube.

The fuel pump is used when the gas tank is mounted lower than the carburetor, and gravity cannot be relied on to carry gas through the fuel line. Briggs & Stratton fuel pumps have either a plastic or metal body and develop pressure using the vacuum in the crankcase, which is created by the motion of the piston.

How to check for a faulty fuel pump

The fuel pump is a critical component of your GT 300 mower, responsible for transferring gasoline from the tank to the engine. A faulty fuel pump can cause a range of issues, from difficulty starting the engine to loss of power and engine stalling. Here are some detailed steps to help you check for a faulty fuel pump:

Check for Common Symptoms:

• Difficulty Starting the Engine: If your GT 300 mower's engine struggles to start or requires multiple attempts, it could indicate a faulty fuel pump.
• Loss of Power: Pay attention to any noticeable loss of power while mowing. A faulty fuel pump may not be able to deliver the required fuel flow, resulting in reduced power.
• Engine Stalling: Frequent engine stalling, especially under load or during operation, is a telltale sign of a potential fuel pump failure.

Inspect the Fuel System:

Before concluding that the fuel pump is at fault, ensure that there are no other issues within the fuel system:

• Fuel Tank: Check if the fuel tank is clogged or obstructed, and ensure that the fuel level is sufficient.
• Fuel Filter: If the fuel filter appears dirty or clogged, replace it. A clogged filter can cause problems similar to those of a faulty fuel pump.
• Fuel Lines: Carefully inspect the fuel lines for any cracks, leaks, or blockages that could be impeding fuel flow.

Perform a Pressure Test:

To determine if the fuel pump is producing adequate pressure, conduct a pressure test using a fuel pressure gauge. Connect the gauge to the fuel line between the pump and the carburetor, and compare the pressure reading to the manufacturer's specifications, typically between 2.5 to 4.5 psi for most riding mowers.

Conduct a Visual Inspection of the Fuel Pump:

Carefully inspect the fuel pump for any visible signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks. Look for cracks in the pump body, worn or damaged diaphragms, and any signs of fuel leakage. If the pump appears damaged or corroded, it may need to be replaced.

By following these steps, you can systematically check for a faulty fuel pump in your GT 300 mower. If you determine that the fuel pump needs to be replaced, refer to a repair guide specific to your mower model for detailed instructions.

How to fix a fuel pump

Step 1: Prepare the Fuel Pump for Maintenance

• Turn off the fuel valve at the base of the tank where the fuel line is attached. If there is no fuel valve, stop the flow of gas using a fuel line clamp.
• Loosen the mounting screws and remove the pump from the mounting bracket or carburetor.
• Check for hairline cracks and other damage to the external surfaces of the pump. If it is damaged and has a metal body, discard the pump and perform a fuel pump replacement.

Step 2: Remove the Fuel Pump

• With the fuel valve closed or the line clamped, remove the mounting screws.
• Disconnect the fuel hoses using needle-nose pliers to loosen the clips.
• Remove the screws and disassemble the pump.

Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Fuel Pump Components

• Inspect the body of the pump for cracks or other damage. Soak metal parts in an all-purpose parts cleaner for up to 15 minutes.
• Check the hoses for cracks, softening, or hardening, and replace any worn parts.

Step 4: Reassemble the Fuel Pump

• Discard old gaskets, diaphragms, and springs, and replace them with parts from an original manufacturer's repair kit.
• Place the diaphragm spring and then the cup over the center of the pump chamber. Also, insert a valve spring.
• Install the diaphragm, gasket, and cover and attach them with the pump screws. Tighten the screws using a torque wrench.

Step 5: Reattach the Fuel Pump

• Attach the pump to the carburetor or mounting bracket, using the pump mounting screws.
• Always run the engine after new pump installation or repair to verify that there are no leaks.

How to remove the fuel pump

To remove the fuel pump of a GT 300 mower, follow these steps:

Firstly, turn off the fuel valve at the base of the tank where the fuel line is attached. If there is no fuel valve, stop the flow of gas using a fuel line clamp. This is an important safety precaution to prevent any fuel spillage during the removal process.

Next, loosen the mounting screws that hold the fuel pump in place. Typically, the fuel pump is mounted on the carburetor, near the fuel tank, or between the tank and the carburetor. Once the screws are loosened, carefully remove the pump from its mounting bracket or carburetor.

Now, with the fuel valve closed or the line clamped, proceed to remove the mounting screws completely. At this point, you can also disconnect the fuel hoses using needle-nose pliers to loosen the clips. This will ensure that the fuel pump is completely free from the mower's fuel system.

After the fuel pump is removed, it is important to inspect it for any signs of damage. Check the external surfaces of the pump for hairline cracks or other defects. If the pump has a metal body and is found to be damaged, it is recommended to discard it and perform a fuel pump replacement.

Additionally, you can disassemble the pump to inspect its internal components. Soak any metal parts in an all-purpose parts cleaner for up to 15 minutes. Check the hoses for any signs of cracks, softening, or hardening, and replace them if necessary. Old gaskets, diaphragms, and springs should also be discarded and replaced with parts from an original manufacturer's repair kit.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove the fuel pump from your GT 300 mower, allowing you to perform maintenance, repairs, or replacements as needed.

How to install a new fuel pump

To install a new fuel pump in your lawn mower, follow these steps:

Firstly, identify the location of the fuel pump. It is usually mounted on the carburetor, near the fuel tank, or between the tank and the carburetor. Once you have located the pump, turn off the fuel valve at the base of the tank, where the fuel line is attached. If there is no fuel valve, use a fuel line clamp to stop the flow of gas.

Next, loosen the mounting screws and carefully remove the pump from its bracket or carburetor. Check the pump for any hairline cracks or other damage. If it is damaged, discard the pump and prepare to install a new one.

Now, you are ready to install your new fuel pump. Place the diaphragm spring and the cup over the center of the pump chamber, and insert a valve spring. Then, install the diaphragm, gasket, and cover, securing them in place with pump screws. Ensure that you tighten the screws with a torque wrench.

Finally, attach the new pump to the carburetor or mounting bracket using the pump mounting screws. It is important to always run the engine after installing a new pump to verify that there are no leaks.

Frequently asked questions