Re: outboard motor fuel line theory
Hey bpascoe13...
The system is simple. Before starting the engine, priming the fuel system via the primer bulb fills the system with fuel and expells air through the carb vent. Once the engine is started and the fuell pump uses fuel supplied through the fuel hose, a very slight vacuum is formed in the hose and is replaced with fuel from the gas can. If all connections are tight AND the primer bulb check valves are working, this is a very efficent system.
Addressing your problem, from the sound of your description, one or both of the check valves have gone south in your primer bulb. These check valves allow fuel movement through the primer bulb in only one direction....toward the motor. That's what the arrow on the bulb indicates..fuel flow direction. Here's what ya' can do.....take the fuel hose off and drain it of fuel. Now shake the bulb and see if you can hear something rattling around in it. If you do, one of the checks have fallen apart. You can squeeze the bulb flat and feel the check inside. Replace the primer bulb and you should be ready to go.
If the bulb is good, the next place to look at is the fuel pump. Very simple test of the fuel pump......remove the fuel inlet cover, then disconnect the fuel pump outlet hose..the one that goes to the carb. If this is hard to get at, remove it at the pump and attach a piece of tubing to the fuel outlet nipple. Now, gently blow back through the pump. If you cannot blow back through the pump but can suck through it (carefull not to get a bit of fuel in your mouth) the pump should be good. At this point I would start checking connections in the fuel system.
Hope you find the problem.
