A few things come to mind.
1. Can you post a pic or model number of the fuel pump? It's probably not original in a 1985 and may be too much psi.
2. Cleaning them float and needle valve is a good idea.
3. Check your oil level and for the smell of gasoline. If flooding past float, this is where the gas often goes.
4. If convenient access, remove rubber line between pump and carb and inspect. Make sure it is fuel line and look for any rubber pieces or debris.From the old line some debris may be in your carb.
5. If you have a summer/winter switch, make sure summer.
6. If any choke, hold it off when running and pump is on, see if it runs better.
7. Turn off breaker/switch for output of generator and test it for running.