Fuel filters are never full when running. Vacuum operated pumps use positive and negative pressure from the crankcase on a diaphragm along with a couple of check valves to deliver gas. Negative pressure pulls gas from tank, positive pressure then pushes it to the carb.

You mentioned disconnecting the fuel line, did you then run the carb dry? If you didn't and let untreated fuel sit in there all winter you may be looking at a carb rebuild to get all the gunk out. Try squirting carb and choke cleaner down the throat and see if it will start. If it starts, I'd add SeaFoam or equivalent fuel circuit cleaner to try to get residual crap out.

Personally, I put StaBil a fuel stabilizer in all gas to be used in small engines. The "mystery fuel" we have to buy today doesn't play nice with small engines.

Good luck,

Ev

Thanks for the information, that does help me understand how things work!

Yes, last fall I did let it run dry. I think that's why the pump had trouble drawing fuel just from cranking.

But now that I understand how things work, and can work around problems, I think I'll keep running it dry for winter storage.

I do like your idea of using a bit of stabilizer year-round. I don't know what kind of shelf-life that stuff has, but I'd prefer to use it before it goes bad.

Ron