Fuel Pump Failure
Symptoms
Engine stalls, won't restart, or runs inconsistently. Fuel starvation symptoms, the engine dies under load but may restart after sitting for a few minutes.
Cause
The mechanical fuel pump is driven off the camshaft and uses a rubber diaphragm that perishes with age and modern fuel blends. When the diaphragm fails, the pump can't draw fuel from the tank.
Fix
Replace the fuel pump diaphragm (rebuild kits are available, $30-60) or replace the entire pump ($80-150).
An aftermarket electric fuel pump mounted near the tank is a common upgrade, it provides more consistent fuel pressure and eliminates the mechanical pump as a failure point.
If fitting an electric pump, add a fuel pressure regulator to avoid over-pressuring the carburettor.
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