primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

[emzle]

When squezzing the primer bulb, it firms up for a squeeze or two, then collapses again. Friend told me it might indicate the floats are stuck? Could it be air in line or clogged tank filter? thanks

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Fuel tank not properly venting, or an air leak in the fuel lines

 

[emzle]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Read about the Anti-Siphon valve could be clogged but not sure where that is located. Tried to remove fuel line from tank to check filter, but won't come all the way up. <br />2002 Javelin 170FS, Mercury 115hp

 

[timmathis]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Some are in the end of the bulb itself.

 

[timmathis]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Does it run O.K.?

 

[achris]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Originally posted by emzle:<br /> When squezzing the primer bulb, it firms up for a squeeze or two, then collapses again. Friend told me it might indicate the floats are stuck? Could it be air in line or clogged tank filter? thanks

Is this with the engine running or before you start it?<br /><br />Is this an older in-line 6? If you keep squeezing the primer, you'll unseat the floats (in the carb) and fuel will pi$$ out the carbs.<br /><br />Oh, and there are no floats in the fuel line, only check valves (one in each end of the primer). There are floats in the carb, but if they were stuck, you'd never get a hard primer.<br /><br />Chris..............

 

[emzle]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Before I start it. Inline 4 cylinder. It will not idle unless I constantly activate the enrichner(choke). Have rebuilt the fuel pump, still behaved the same. Have yet to check pressure on the fuel line, but keep leaning toward some problem with the fuel intake. The problem started after a day on the lake running fine. Have new fuel filter too. Could have some trash in the carbs? thanks guys<br />mark

 

[north40]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Mark, If you can, get a portable tank. Maybe you can borrow one or buy one about $12-13. I had similar problem and the fuel pump would not pump fuel out of main tank but worked fine with portable because it did not have so far to pump. I rebuilt pump and solved the problem. This will tell you if you have a check valve or air leak at tank.

 

[north40]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

You may also need a new fuel bulb. The check ball in yours could be leaking back. Buy a factory bulb not the wallyworld kind.

 

[emzle]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

I'm working on obtaining an external tank and will give that a try. I did replace the bulb, with a wallyworld version, then switched back after being disappointed in it. I'll see if the tank helps, then go from there. REALLY appreciate the help.

 

[vampirefish]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Hey Vlad D Impeller, you mentioned "Fuel tank not properly venting, or an air leak in the fuel lines"<br /><br />I have a question: Should the fuel tank be vented or not at all? Mine has a little vent on the top of the fuel cap. I've been tightening this down and my engine runs fine out of the water, but when it's in the water I am not getting enough fuel.. could this cause this type of problem? Either way...should this be vented slightly, not at all..etc..?

 

[Drybo]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Listen to north40, don't rely on wallyworld bulb, get mercury bulb, I tried the wally world bulb and it woud not get hard, mercury bulb gets hard. <br />check the easy things first. Just my 2 cents, tank must vented, when fuel leaves tank air must have a way to fill the void. if vent is sealed could get vacume lock.

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

vampirefish <br />Member # 53457 posted July 20, 2005 12:52 PM<br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> Hey Vlad D Impeller, you mentioned "Fuel tank not properly venting, or an air leak in the fuel lines"<br /><br />I have a question: Should the fuel tank be vented or not at all? Mine has a little vent on the top of the fuel cap. I've been tightening this down and my engine runs fine out of the water, but when it's in the water I am not getting enough fuel.. could this cause this type of problem? Either way...should this be vented slightly, not at all..etc..? <br />_________________________________________________________<br /><br /><br />The fuel tank must be allowed to vent, meaning that air gets to replace the displaced fuel.<br />If you close of the vent, you will encounter fuel starvation.

 

[timmathis]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

Only close that vent when not in use!

 

[achris]

Re: primer bulb firms up, then collapses, what's up?

I've seen plastic fuel tanks, with the vent close, left out in the sun. Blow up like a football! I wasn't going to get within 50 feet of that thing. Had to wait until it cooled down.<br /><br />0.02<br /><br />Chris.........