Are you sure it's a fuel pump problem? Easy to diagnose, while motor is running, squeeze the primer bulb on the fuel tank. If the motor operates normally, then it is likely you have a fuel pump problem. If it doesn't change, then you still need to clean the carburetor. Again, easy to test by putting some pre-mixed fuel into a squeeze bottle. With the motor running, spray some into the carb. If you can keep the motor running this way, then you've confirmed a lack of fuel, plus eliminated the fuel pump.
To test the fuel pump, you should be able to blow air into the inlet with your mouth (use a clean piece of hose). If it is working correctly, the air should go through. There will be a restriction. Then do the same thing blowing into the outlet. You should not be able to blow air through the outlet. If either of these don't work properly, then you should consider a pump rebuild.
I recently had a 1975 15hp that would start and run shortly with the choke on. I could get it to run by feathering the choke. I had completely cleaned the carb and the jets a couple of times already. I even gave the carb to my brother who put the whole thing into a sonic carb cleaner. Still couldn't get it to run.
I had to drill out each of the core plugs and lead shot. Once I did that and ran about a whole can of carb cleaner through it, I started getting some hardened varnish out of the passage between the bowl and the idle jet. Took a long time, a bunch of air and a whole can of carb cleaner to finally get it all out.
Ran like a champ after.
Point is, even though the jets and needle valve are squeaky clean, there are still other possibilities of a blocked carb.
Good luck!