Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

[lynnebern]

I have an Eska 15 hp. I run the motor at 7600 feet and it starts and runs great with one or two cranks.
The issue is that while I am going across the lake, I have to make sure that I squeeze the primer bulb a couple of times every minute or the motor dies.
Any ideas as to what might be the problem. It has been this way for over 20 years, even after Sears rebuilt the carb(when they did that kind of thing).
Thanks
Lynn

 

[lynnebern]

Re: Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

I should mention, that I replaced the fuel tank and fuel line in case there were any leaks.
I see that on a similar post someone mentioned a lift pump. Is there such a thing on the Eska?

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

I see that on a similar post someone mentioned a lift pump. Is there such a thing on the Eska?

Without knowing the model/year of your Eska, I will guess and say yes since it has a remote fuel tank. Assuming the fuel line is single-hose versus a dual-hose, then very definitely there should be a lift pump aka fuel pump. Posting your model/year may help get more info. Good luck!

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

Hello lynnebern, I think this is what your looking for, also at 7600 ft above sea level I could believe the little motor might have trouble pulling gas with the eska setup.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GAMEFISHER-ted-williams-eska-fuel-pump-base-gasket-kit-/260660452410?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item3cb092dc3a

 

[lynnebern]

Re: Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

The motor is a 15 hp. But I do not have the model number handy. I will post it Monday. I do have the manual at work.
Thanks
I hope that the altitude IS NOT the issue. However, no that you mention it, it ran fine and none stop in a trash can at sea level.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

I hope that the altitude IS NOT the issue. However, no that you mention it, it ran fine and none stop in a trash can at sea level.

Outboard motors alway run good in a trash can because they are not "under load" or pushing a boat. If that motor has not had the high-speed carburetor jet adjusted, if adjustable, or replaced, if a fixed-jet, then it may be altitude sickness. Pretty thin air at 7,600 feet. The forum experts, which I am not, will help you overcome this issue. Hang in there, it is usuually something simple!

 

[lynnebern]

Re: Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

I have the model number of the motor. It's a Sears model# 217.586261 or 217.586361. Which ever is the 15 hp motor. I believe that it is year 1986.
Also, I like that idea about the tank valve. We never bothered to check it. Although I had no issues with the bulb staying flat.
Thanks agian

 

[lynnebern]

Re: Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

I looked at the manual and I don't see any mention of a lift pump. Is there such a thing for this motor or is it called something different?

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: Primer Bulb has to be squeezed under way

its not called a lift pump...just "fuel pump" check the ebay link in my first post for a picture of what your talking about. PS I have no affiliation with the ebay seller although I have bought stuff from him, comparatively he will be cheaper most of the time.