Re: 1987 30 hp 2 stroke fuel pump question
The fuel pump is a diaphragm operated by pressure impulses from the piston movement. It has 2 check valves to allow it to suck and hold on one stroke and push and hold on the reverse. In my opinion, I would want maximum pressure/suction from the cylinders so a seal would be in order. Just because you don't get a seal in the kit doesn't mean it doesn't use one. Just because your 26 year old engine doesn't have one doesn't mean it isn't supposed to have one. John Deere is really bad about selling you the seal separate from the part. Why? Guess it's because sometimes the seal goes but the part doesn't. Conversely some parts come with seals, like cartridge oil filters.
HTH,
Mark