HI all,
Frequent reader but first time poster - can't find any similar problems/solutions on the forum!
I've got a Sentinel ride on mower with a replacement B&S 12HP motor. There is a round black device attached to the engine body, which I believe to be the fuel pump, which operates on vacuum, yes? Three hoses, one from the fuel tank, one to the carby, the third from the oil dip stick shaft.
The fuel pump seems to be spitting oil from the mesh screens on the pump. I've also noticed recently that the engine won't run smoothly. It tends to cycle up and down. Will idle for a second, then revs drop off, until it almost stalls and then revs up again. The speed of the cycle depends on the throttle - low throttle, slow cycle, high throttle, faster cycle. This is more pronounced when the engine is cold, and seems to improve once the engine is warm. Cold start is difficult, unless the throttle is way down.
I'm thinking either there is too much pressure in the sump, pushing oil up and reducing the effectiveness of the pump, hence fuel starvation in spits and spurts.
Does this sound right? Any other thoughts?
