Primer Bulb

[dartman]

Should the primer bulb bleed down with the engine off? This past weekend, I had the engine off for approximately 10 minutes, and bulb had to be pumped backup before the it would start. Is this an indication of a problem with bulb or air entering the fuel line between the tank and the bulb or perhaps a leaking check valve at the bulb. Or is it normal for the bulb to lose pressure during this time period? I've only had one previous outboard, but the bulb on it would stay hard with the engine not running.<br /><br />If it is air entering the system, wouldn't cause a lean condition and misfire or rough running? There was no indication of any problem while running.<br />Thanks.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Primer Bulb

It is not normal to have to prime it up again after only 10 minutes.Check the connection from the fuel line to the motor.It may not be snapped in place just right.Charlie

 

[8up]

Re: Primer Bulb

My priming bulb stays firm from day to day without the engine running. I did just replace mine....The bulb developed small pin holes in it and was sucking air in (but you could hear it).

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Primer Bulb

The only time I pump my bulb up is when the motor has sat for a while(Weeks) and I'm ready to hit the water. When I'm out on the lake for days and using the boat every day, I never have to pump it back up when I start it in the morning. But all motors are different. Some need it more than others!

 

[PDS]

Re: Primer Bulb

Dartman, you should still have a strong bulb after 10 min. If u have a problem,check on hose connections(hoses and such) PDS

 

[dartman]

Re: Primer Bulb

Is there a way to tell which side of the bulb is leaking down? Would the fuel pump isolate a leaking carb seat from the bulb? If the the carb was leaking and overflowing, how could this be detected? I removed the silencer, and there is no evidence of leaking fuel in the throat of the carbs. However, when the bulb is compressed, there is a "whish¿?" sound eminating from the fuel tank, although it's difficult to pinpoint the exact location. The fuel line is tight on the barb with two clamps, and the fitting into the plastic tank is tight with ample pipe dope. <br /><br />I don't want to make too much of this, but I'm concerned about running the engine lean. Altough the engine ran great without any surging or missing.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[ob]

Re: Primer Bulb

The sound you hear from the fuel tank when the bulb is compressed is indicating that the primer bulb check valve is defective.Need a new one.

 

[ob]

Re: Primer Bulb

Sorry.Double post monster got me.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Primer Bulb

I agree with OB. If your bulb is leaking down, replace it first. They do not cost but a few dollars and it does not hurt to have an extra one on the boat anyway. (For you or some other guys that did not do proper maint before going to the water.)<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Primer Bulb

And get an OMC bulb, not generic(Attwood, Ect). Worth the extra few bucks.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Primer Bulb

Change the bulb. Fastest way to figure out the problem.<br /><br />I use my boat every weekend. I pump in May and don't ever pump again until the following May.<br /><br />Joe

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Primer Bulb

Was reading some posts here awhile back, the consensus was that the arrow on the bulb should be pointing not only towards the engine but UP, (vertical) and that the aftermarket bulbs had problems with the check-valves. Run a search of the database for more information.<br /><br />Mike

 

[backdraft]

Re: Primer Bulb

The newest squeeze bulbs from BMC have a yellow ring on either end. They work! nevjb

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Primer Bulb

nevjb <br /><br />Yes, they do! In whatever position!