What am I doing wrong with water pump?

[PRF]

I bet it's the vent in the gas cap... Had the same thing happen on a Honda pump we have mounted on a trailer for delivering pool water. Next time it dies, take the gas cap off and see if it'll run. If it does, you need to pry the cap apart and blow out the vent holes. Good luck !!

 

[whistlepig]

I bet it's the vent in the gas cap... Had the same thing happen on a Honda pump we have mounted on a trailer for delivering pool water. Next time it dies, take the gas cap off and see if it'll run. If it does, you need to pry the cap apart and blow out the vent holes. Good luck !!

Next time it dies slowly loosen the gas cap. If you hear it sucking air that's bad.

 

[KYErik]

Does it have a fuel filter? If so, check it. Also look in the tank to see if there is something floating inside and blocking the outlet on the bottom.

 

[gocards1177]

Does it have a fuel filter? If so, check it. Also look in the tank to see if there is something floating inside and blocking the outlet on the bottom.

I don't think it has a fuel filter. If it does how do I check it?

 

[KYErik]

Pull the line off the carb end of the filter and make sure the gas flows out quickly. This would also test your tank vent (let 1 cup run into a container and see if the flow slows down (if so, the tank is not vented properly)

 

[Gator6x4]

Most of the knock off engines are Honda Clones. Look on the bottom of the gas tank where the fuel line enters. Do you see a hex head. Most Honda have a screw in filter in the gas tank. The filter can be screwed out and cleaned. The knock offs also may have a yellow wire coming from a low oil sensor screwed into the side of the block. Look around the switch area for a yellow wire. A good suggestion on trying a new plug. If you have an old plug lying around try that or take the plug out of a four cycle that is running. Please make sure it is the same diameter size and plug reach.

 

[PRF]

Rule out the simple first. When it stalls, remove the gas cap and start it. If it runs properly its the cap vent.

 

[the old grind]

I cleaned a gen's carb suspecting water in it before the 'boss' said it only ran when facing a certain way on a tailgate. Yep, it was the low-oil shutdown switch and a slight tilt that caused the prob. I've got many years out of my HFT 2" gas water pump & it's still going strong, despite its dubious quality expectations, & credit the design the Asian engines are copied from for their longevity.

These pumps don't sit well outside at length without being covered up but I'm betting on the fuel cap vent too, regardless of that. The more full the tank, the shorter the run before vacuum stops flow, just like with cars & defective EVAP system components. btw: A splash of water onto the air cleaner when running will get sucked in & shut you down, too. That's easy to check but not likely happening 'cuz it wouldn't be starting after that. Needing to choke it to stay running says 'fuel supply'.

 

[charlz]

Yep oil level sensor can be finicky so make sure it is sitting as level as possible. Other than that it sounds like ignition/shutoff circuit issue. Another thought is you are choking a 3" pump down pretty far. Do you have drip emitters on the far end? I am wondering if you are idling the pump to keep the output down and when it reaches too much back pressure it kills the engine. Shouldn't need any kind of emitters, just an open line everywhere you want water.

 

[Stimw]

If it's a Honda knock off check sediment bowl and carb bowl for water. Pour fuel from them in clear container and inspect. I use a 2 lt bottle with top cut off.
Water will stop up the tiny jet in the bottom of the carb.
I have a 2" HF pump and found that it puts out great flow at a fast idle, not a lot more full throttle. Try that when you get it straightened out, it will save fuel and run longer.