MIKUNI FUEL PUMP 808492 CAN IT BE CLEANED?

[cedricward]

Have a Mikuni fuel pump 808492 on my Craftsman Lawn Tractor.
It seems to not be pumping due to getting plugged up by our ethanol fuel that leaves a tree sap like deposit if left too long in the tank and other parts like this fuel pump.
I want to soak it in some parts cleaner used to soak carburetors even though it is made of plastic and may have some rubber or fiber in the diaphragm.

Any tips or advice on if soaking it will ruin it?

It's not that expensive a part, but any money saved is a plus if you can fix the part yourself.

 

[oliver28472]

I asked that same question to a buddy who has rebuilt many automotive carbs. He said the soak can eat the plastic like it says on the label. He recommended carb spray.

 

[cedricward]

Thanks Oliver
I bought a new pump for $20. The repairman said to install the old unit with the line to the carb NOT connected. Crank the engine until gas comes out of the pump nipple where the un connected fuel line would go.
If no gas...use new unit.
I did soak the pump in a gallon can of parts cleaner overnight, blew it out with compressed air, but it didn't pump gas with carb line connected.
I'll try the procedure above today

 

[sox3]

For 20 bucks, I would just use the new pump. put a good filter in the line before the pump. A higher octane fuel will be better than the cheap stuff too.