Snipe,
Thanks for the offer of help.
I assumed Champion built the pump components on someone else's engine. However, I just looked it up, Champion actually manufactures their own engines for their pumps, generators, etc.
Further, when I started working on the gas tank in bright light, what I thought was rust actually appears to be mostly VARNISH with a tiny bit of rust around the edges.
I think I drained the engine two winters ago, but didn't sop up the last bit of gas at the bottom of the tank. Sitting that long, it did manage to transform to varnish. The good news is that the large spot of varnish and rust is well below the outlet of the fuel tank. There is a decent chance that I have not sent any rust flakes or bits of varnish to the carburetor.
I think the new plan is to thoroughly clean the gas tank and give it a little coating. Fire up the pump (with a good water supply to the intake hose) and see how she runs at the house.
If the carburetor is letting the engine running nicely, then I think I will skip the rebuild.
New questions:
1. Best way to remove varnish from a gas tank?
2. For an unknow (to you people) carb, do you think I can safely pop off the bowl and do a cursory examination without screwing up anything? (I cannot find a video of anyone rebuilding my exact carb.)
(Customer service in on the west coast, so I will give them a call later this morning.)
