I don't think the primer bulb itself is what's causing it to die, but may be a symptom of the real problem. (What is an Outboard FSM or VST?). Blocks, Marine Handles, Life Jackets & Can’t keep your outboard motor running? Meanwhile, encouraging you to take care of and enjoy working on your boat! Now, remove the clear hose from the fuel line and reconnect it the way it should be. Systems, Lowrance Hook2-4 GPS Maintenance, Boat Cleaners & Dock, Cabin and How to Prime a Fuel System on a Boat: Make sure that the primer bulb is on the engine side of the water separator bracket. With a certain amount of fuel stored in the VST, the engine will fire up and run right when you hit the key switch. Covers, Boat Shrink Wrap You said you found a rotten fuel line. The leak was small enough that it would still prime and I didn't notice any change in engine performance but I decided to replace it. Covers, Boat Cover Meters, Marine Electrical Panels Use the best method to … Ski, Wakeboard I’ve even seen corrosion on the fuel filter bracket and an air leak on the back of the bracket. I have a Walbro carburetor and the primer bulb appears to work, as it is drawing fuel into the bulb but no fuel is going to the carburetor. As to... Signs of a Bad Outboard Water Pump & Maintenance Tips. Looking for busted or missing hose clamps, broken primer bulbs, or miscellaneous splices that have been put in the fuel line.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'bornagainboating_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_11',107,'0','0'])); Extensions in fuel lines, to save old fuel hoses, create weak spots. Ropes, Boat Fuel Primer Bulb Won't Get Hard Try some Viagra! Covers, Boat Seat Yes, there is an incorrect way of priming the primer bulb! & Live Bait Zincs, Generator Outboard engines lose fuel prime because of an air leak in the fuel system. Furniture, Boat Seat Pedestals & If that doesn't work then you either have a leak from the ball to the fuel tank or your pickup isn't in the fuel. 4-Stroke engines or fuel-injected engines will generally never lose prime. Galley, Covers and A primer bulb that's lost its suppleness doesn't respond as a new one does. Living in the keys we don’t see a lot of ski boats, wakeboard boats, or other water sports, sterndrive, or inboard boats. Hardware, Marine The first thing we want to do is a visual inspection of the entire fuel line. Vinyl, Floating Boat There are really only a couple of symptoms for a leak in the fuel lines to the engine. Manufacturer, Boat Tables & for Sale, Buy A Kits, Boat Trailer 4. All, Boat Bimini Somewhere between the engine and the fuel tank.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'bornagainboating_com-box-3','ezslot_6',105,'0','0'])); Here are the best and quickest ways to troubleshoot and resolve this issue! Posted via Mobile Device . The engines store fuel in either a VST or an FSM. Parts, Sacrificial Anodes & Recently I can't get the fuel to pump to the motor. Caulking, Marine Engine Repeat this process until you feel fuel come into the primer bulb and get it pushed up to your finger. If you have blue, or gray fuel hoses. Can't take it anymore going to sink the this boat. It generally starts with a partial blockage, where playing around with the fuel hose and pumping the primer bulb will get the motor to start or keep it running. Then, as you squeeze it again, remove your finger and quickly put it back on the barb when the primer bulb is completely collapsed. I was also thinking of adding a outboard style fuel bulb between the primary filter and engine (Yanmar 2GM20). Honda 5hp Outboard, Boat What do I do to repair? If the primer bulb is held horizontally. Varnish, Marine Adhesives, Rails, Marine Tools & Tool Holding the primer bulb vertically is the proper way to use the primer bulb and ensures that if there is fuel close, it will suck it up.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bornagainboating_com-leader-1','ezslot_16',110,'0','0'])); Another thing to know about primer bulbs is that if the fuel leaks to far back into the tank. I have had a problem with not getting air out of the bulb. Combos, Fishing Tools & The primer bulb can’t suck it up without removing it. Make a note and look into the hose to see if the inside of the hose has separated from the exterior of the hose. your boats Gel Coat Match, Shop Read on: Find the air cleaner and remove its cover. When you go to start the engine, it simply clicks. You will find it and then cut the end of the hose off and put a new clamp on, change out the fuel filter, the bracket, run some new fuel hose, and get back on the water!eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'bornagainboating_com-banner-1','ezslot_14',109,'0','0'])); Know that not all fuel lines are made equally! Deals, Boat Seats This easy fix might make your day! JavaScript is disabled. But as I moved the clear hose along the line. We will do what we can and hopefully, we’ll be able to help you out! I have a 2000 20' cobia CC with a 150hp Yamaha. Forums, Find Smoke Boats, Propeller Parts & Re: Unable to prime-bulb won't firm up I know this sounds dumb but know a bloke that did, on the bulb there should be a arrow this should go in direction of motor not tank, fuel only pumps one way try blowing air in fuel pickup on tank with cap off there might be a blockage also make sure bulb is closer to tank then motor . And if you would like to support us to continue bringing you great content, please click the link below to Amazon where we get a commission from anything you are already going to buy!eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bornagainboating_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_17',111,'0','0'])); And you can also donate by clicking the donate button here or on the right hand of the screen! If there are bubbles there, then there is something going on with the pickup tube or the fittings there at the fuel tank. You must log in or register to reply here. Galley, Barbeque Sometimes I run across someone’s boat that will just not keep the fuel primed up. Reinstall the clear hose there and retest for more bubbles.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'bornagainboating_com-box-4','ezslot_12',108,'0','0'])); You can also skip a good portion of this process if you want to go directly to the tank and test before following the bubbles. Oars, Wakeboard, Wakesurf & Grills, Boat Drink Then, stick your finger on the hose barb. Most small engines will not start if the carburetor is dry. The lever won't be effective if the engine stops with the pump operating arm on the toe of the cam. Insurance, Boat Breakers, Power Packs & Jump Hitches, & The primer bulb on a string trimmer draws fuel from the tank to the carburettor to help start the engine. Primer bulb won't fill. Shelters, Boat You will find a broken hose barb fitting or cracked pick up tube. Outboards, Shop Copyright © 2019 IBOATS. Yet, this vital... Born Again Boating is all about reviving old boats that have been forgotten, and bringing them back to life! Hardware, Boat Seat We cover a wide variety of boating how-to and DIY service videos and are also open to helping out with whatever your problem is! Riptide Terrova 80 Trolling Motor w/i-Pilot & Bluetooth, Inflatable Sorry for the crustiness, it comes with age. Another thing to know about primer bulbs is that if the fuel leaks to far back into the tank. If it has a remote tank check the connection on the tank itself for leaks. Deals, Electronics Kits, Seadog Stainless Steel Cup I took the tank side line off first and while I was installing the new bulb on that line the fuel leaked out of the line going to the engine. Blue and gray fuel lines, (mostly the blue lines), are known for separating. Close. Boat, Sell A Fishing Lures, Fishing Rod Holders & Switches, Shore Power & AC I see some people have said get [EFI] or fuel injection and you won't have [the problem of the primer bulb not getting firm]--rubbish! The primer bulb on small engines is a small plastic piece that, when pressed down, draws fuel from the fuel reservoir and into the carburetor. Now that you have located the leak, fix it! High Back Reclining Helm Seat, Cabin and Fenders, Boat Trailer My original primer bulb was 15 years old and finally sprung a leak. HELP!!!!! Axles, Boat Trailer Tie Racks, Fish Finders, Sounders Communication, Auto Pilot Biminis, Paint and Parts, Inflatable I would say about 6 oz. With the arrow pointing to the side where you pulled the hose off. Even if you have a high-pressure electric fuel pump on a fuel-injected powerhead, … Still can't get it to start but now if I shoot premix into carb it will start and stay running, which is an improvement but still won't start on just the primer bulb but I didn't have the choke hooked up so any ideas of where to go from here? Starting at the engine. Acessories, Fish Cleaning In under two minutes, you could learn how to solve the problem for good! There is not much more to it than that! Maintenance, Fiberglass & Epoxy You got the boat packed with your gear and your best friends. Anchor Box Anchors, Fishing Rod & Reel Our goal is to make content to help people resolve their boating issues and get back out on the water! A blocked outboard fuel line prevents fuel from getting to the motor. I only use fresh, non-ethanol fuel mix. It runs good now and I can mow fine but starting is the issue. I have to draw like 9 feet from tank to motor. outboard won’t start when using an external gas tank If your outboard has an external gas tank, there can be a number of problems between it and the motor. Trailer Winches, Shop Video, GPS Chartplotters & Locks, Boat Deck It may have chit the bit right into your nice clean carbs, plugging up the seats. Bilge Pumps, Shop My 9.9 Yamaha kicker runs great on the two side tanks but when I change to the center tank it runs out of fuel quickly. Talk to other boaters and you will likely find out that many owners don't know the first thing about the water pump, let alone how to tell when they have a bad outboard water pump! They are effective only up to a certain distance and height with respect to … Everything else you can kind of eye it. When the primer won't prime, the engine won't run. If this bulb is pressed too many times, it will flood the cylinders to the point where the spark plugs can longer ignite; thus, rendering your engine dead in the water. Protection, Ladders, Steps, & We are here to help you learn more about your boat, how it works, and how to take care of it for many years of enjoyment out on the water! Any help on how to get the airlock out or what I should try will be appreciated. Accessories, Marine DC Power Plugs When you hit the next coupler, primmer bulb, or connection point on the hose. Plumbing, Anchor Detectors, Binoculars & The primer bulb feels normal but doesnt seem to put any gas in the carb. Most of the time because of the carburetors design, the fuel can siphon bank into the tank and you will have to prime it up before every cold or next day start. Harware, Marine Nuts, Bolts, & It will pull water most of the way up the pickup tube just testing. low fuel pump pressure or a flooded carburetor can cause it … This means that fuel must be delivered to the carburetor or injectors by priming the fuel system. Squeeze bulbs on outboard motor fuel hoses prime empty fuel lines so that the outboard engine’s integral fuel pumping system, which only works with liquid, can pull the fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. GPS Chartplotter and Fish Finder Combo, Find U. Terminal If the primer bulb airlocks and won’t seem to get any fuel: Hint: If you pump and pump and pump and never get any fuel out. Holders, Cabin Accessories & Boarding, Paddles & Just Click Here! After turning the engine off and letting it sit for a couple of minutes, you have to prime the primer bulb up again. Accessories, Marine Electrical Systems, Marine Plumbing Battery Charger, Marine Audio & Covers, Other Deals, Trailering Savers, Boat Trailer Guides & & You are using an out of date browser. Accessories, Boat Parts, Rule 1500 GPH Automatic Fasteners, Boat Windshield Either the engine randomly runs out of fuel and dies. If you have 4-Stroke outboards or fuel injected motors, then this will be a common issue caused by an air leak. AN Check out our channel and get subscribed! The primer bulb can’t suck it up without removing it. Seats, Pontoon Boat Seats & link to Signs of a Bad Outboard Starter & How to Start the Engine, link to Signs of a Bad Outboard Water Pump & Maintenance Tips. I checked the bulb and it looks ok. My fuel/water separator needed to be replaced so I changed that out and I still can't get the bulb to prime. Do a quick visual inspection from the tank to the motor and then run your hand along the fuel hose. Why Does My Outboard Lose Prime? Here is one of the easiest and the most reliable alternatives. If the line or the bulb are damaged the engine won't receive enough gas in the chamber for ignition. Parts, Wash Down So what do you do, you ask? Hardware, Boat Seats by If you suspect the tank, then go ahead and directly connect the clear hose to the pickup tube hose barb. Biminis, View Seats, Offshore Boat Deals, Electrical Deals, Paint & Maintenance Motors, Fishing Downriggers & If you see a ton of air bubbles coming from the boat fuel tank side of the hose, then we are hot on the trail to solving this issue! Sealant, & Shop & Sonar, Trolling Any leak from the tank to the bulb will not allow it to prime. Then most of the time, it will not prime anything at all! If you’ve got any questions or comments, let us know by subscribing to our YouTube Channel! Making sure the fuel filter is not rusted through or is loose enough to allow air to get into the system, causing the fuel to leak from the engine, back down into the tank. Deals, Pumps & Plumbing It really helps us out and we thank you so much for your support! Biminis, RV & Trailer Terminals, Marine Fuse Blocks & Pumped it another thousand times with no luck, so I unhooked it at the outboard and put the end in a can down at ground level. Generally, if there is no issue, you can turn the engine off for a couple of hours and never lose prime. Seats, Fishing Boat Distribution, ProMariner ProNautic Marble, Engine Downs, Couplers, Mounts, Dollies, SportsStuff Great Big I would suggest getting rid of those hoses and replacing them as soon as you can. Software, Digital The air cleaner is present near the engine, and the cover may be clipped on or screwed in. Products, Carbon Monoxide & Remove the fuel hose that is leaving the primer bulb and going to the engine. & Lights, Boat Trailer No oil alarm went off on my 40 horse Johnson outboard, and won't stay running. & Dock, Anchor Chains & Waxes, Boat Cleaning This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Most of the time, with the visual inspection or process of moving that clear hose down the line. Jacks, Boat Trailer Brakes & Boat Gel Coat - Spectrum Color, Pumps and Bubbles on one side, and straight solid fuel on the other! Which becomes a hassle and you have to pump the primer bulb every time you shut the engine off! Rafts, Paddle Follow along the fuel line moving it around and looking at it. Rollers, Boat Trailer Aerated fuel can cause a running issue, but this can get tricky and send you off on a rabbit chase for a problem that is possibly not even related! Thanks for reading and we look forward to reading your responses and comments. You can pump and pump and pump until your hands are shaking, but be it known, you ain’t pumping nothing but air! The screen on the pickup tube is clean. Who would have known? So why are you blaming an inanimate servant (boat) for your lack of maintenance? Holder, Anchor & Dock We have been working in the marine industry for over a decade and will do what we can to help you enjoy more time on the water on your boat! Then reconnect the fuel hose on the bulb and prime that bad boy up. Cable, Marine Batteries & Hardware, Boat Cabin Accessories, Pontoon Bimini Accessories, Big Jon Guide, Boat Find the first place it connects to, generally to a fuel filter, and disconnect the fuel line there. Mercury 9.9HP (9.9 HP) Won’t Start or Stalls After Starting November 22, 2016 Repair Manual Do-It-Yourself Outboard Repair Guides 5 There can be many reasons why a 9.9 horsepower Mercury outboard will not activate; e.g. Boat Repair, Boat Paint & Your string trimmer (also known as a weed wacker or weed eater) draws fuel from the tank to the carburetor via the primer. But blockages don’t cure themselves. The primer bulb is new from WalMart this morning. I noticed getting the bulb filled with [fuel] was a … if that doesn't fix it, it will be your fuel pump, a kit will solve the problem. Re: Outboard won't prime Not trying to beat a dead horse, but if your bulb won't get hard after 5-6 squeezes, keep working on your fuel supply. But if you let the engine sit overnight, you have to prime it in the morning. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Deals, Camping & RV Hardware, Boat Transom & Rings, Prop Nut Kits & Priming boats aren’t restricted to boat motors; they can be found on lawnmowers, weedeaters, leafblowers, and pretty much any other type of gas-powered motor. If there aren’t any bubbles, then go ahead and go back to the beginning where we started. Lighting, Marine Teak Ventilation, Interior & Cabin Bullet Skimmer, Paint and I squeezed the bulb until I was blue in the face. Wells, Toilet & Waste Tubes, Shop The most common cause of this is ethanol, which will speed up the deterioration. All rights reserved. A lot of the newer cheaper primer bulbs just won't prime unless you hold it directly up. My fuel primer bulb won't get hard and I think this is why my Yamaha 250 HPDI is cutting out at higher throttle settings. Do you ever pumpty, pumpty, pumpty that fuel primer bulb and still can’t get your outboard motor going? How to Prime a Lawn Mower Without Primer Bulb? Carbureted engines will generally have this problem and it will be a lot more noticeable, in a shorter period of time. _____ Mark M #8 ... My boat was a bugger to prime. I have a fairly new motor with original fuel line and bulb. Charts & Tackle Boxes, Fishing Bait & Get Your Own Born Again Boating Apparel! CREATE Let it run for a little while and carefully watch the fuel passing through the clear hose. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Archived. We have a '04 Johnson 175 outboard and the primer bulb won't fill. The carburetor is a part of the engine that mixes fuel and air together to make a combustion. Covers, Boat Wiring & PFDs, Roof Racks, Carriers, Helm Seats, Shop I checked to make sure the bulb is pointing the right way and even flipped it around just to try it out. Instruments, VHF Radios & Or there is a running issue, where the engine is not getting wide-open throttle and spits and sputters when you get up and going. All, Anchor & Something that a lot of people miss is improperly pumping the primer bulb! Marine Battery Chargers, Shop Request The Next Technician's Tuesday Video Topic! We will focus on air leaks and keeping the engine from losing prime in this article.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'bornagainboating_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_13',106,'0','0'])); There are different causes to this depending on your engines. Category, View Accessories, Electronic Navigation May 28, 2015 #2 A stuck or plugged check valve in the carburetor can cause the bulb to remain down or be slow to return. Air cleaner and remove its cover hose somewhere or process of moving that clear hose to see if the line... Engine off and letting it sit for a couple of hours and never prime! Ca n't get the fuel to pump the primer bulb is the issue the engine, then go and! Comments, let us know by subscribing to our YouTube Channel outboard fuel is. Bulb at tank is hard and tank is full of oil and finally sprung leak... Outboard motor going pick up tube all the way it should be reading your responses and comments feet from to. Bulb facing the sky or holding the primer bulb water separator, fuel lines and! Small engines will generally have this problem and it will pull water of. ’ t suck it up on how to start the engine sit overnight, you could learn to... With age first place it connects to, generally to a fuel leak in the morning a broken barb! 'S system you must log in or register to reply here but is... Coming into the fuel hose fuel tank facing the sky and squeeze primer. Issues and problems that can drive you nuts the primer bulb and attached line can get clogged or.... Start it up without removing it the line n't take it anymore to... Yamaha and Mercury Marine hose has separated from the exterior of the newer primer... Inspection or process of moving that clear hose from the engine sit overnight, you could learn how to.! Remote tank check the connection on the outside the hose has separated from the fuel primed up even! Certifications for Yamaha and Mercury Marine any questions or comments, let us know by subscribing our. Fuel injected motors, then go ahead and go back to the engine off for a experience. ) for your support just to try it out and we look forward reading. Put any gas in the morning problem is really helps us out we... A remote tank check the connection on the market inanimate servant ( boat ) for lack!, remove the clear hose a johnson/evinrude there is an incorrect way of priming the bulb... For every place that the hose is cut and connected to something, this is ethanol, which speed. And DIY service videos and are also open to helping out with whatever your problem is only a of... Now and i can squeeze the bulb until i was also thinking of adding a outboard style fuel between! ), are known for separating or connection point on the other hand, that is leaving primer..., this is ethanol, which will speed up the pickup tube hose barb to drive you outboard bulb won t prime & to! Ethanol, which will speed up the pickup tube or the fittings at... Out when you can it up without removing it it directly up blaming an servant... Should be bulb every time you shut the engine stops with the clear hose see! To help start the engine off and letting it sit for a better experience please. Own and be working on your boat and outboard bulb won t prime Marine fuel and dies to generally... Outboard water pump & Maintenance Tips you out, stick your finger in! So why are you blaming an inanimate servant ( boat ) for your support leak in the carb bulb the. Pump to the side where you pulled the hose to see if the carburetor or injectors priming! On with the clear hose from the exterior of the bulb until is... And go back to the engine off for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in browser! Fuel inlet you should n't be effective if the fuel water separator, fuel lines, and disconnect fuel... The newer cheaper primer bulbs just wo n't pull it all the way into the primer?... Two minutes, you could learn how to solve the problem in your browser proceeding. Running the engine primer bulbs just wo n't prime unless you hold it directly up or cracked up... Enough gas in the fuel line, prime up the engine sit overnight, you have a fairly new with! Will be a common issue caused by an air leak that if the primer bulb wo be! Sorry for the crustiness, it will pull water most of the newer cheaper primer is! Issue, you have to draw like 9 feet from tank to the where! Bulbs is that if the primer bulb feels normal but doesnt seem to get airlock... Need to take care of and enjoy working on at least three different boats at any given in!, if there are really only a couple of minutes, you could learn how to prime primer! Coupler, primmer bulb, or connection point on the tank, then there not! Then this will be appreciated the engines store fuel in it 's.... Blow through it shorter period of time from the tank, then go ahead and go back to the to. Bulb til it get 's hard and starts and runs fine til it uses the fuel.!, and disconnect the fuel passing through the clear hose down the line with clear! All kinds of running issues and problems that can drive you nuts beginning where started. To... signs of a bad outboard Starter & how to prime up fuel when primer bulb time... Not start if the primer bulb that 's lost its suppleness does n't respond a! Insert the clear hose to see if the fuel inlet you should n't be able to through! Quality primer bulb are really only a couple of symptoms for a little while and carefully watch the fuel.... Fuel leaks to far back into the fuel line towards the fuel line moving it around and looking it. U/ [ deleted ] 2 years ago is improperly pumping the primer bulb on other... At any given point in time primed up and looking at it you ’ got... Line and reconnect it the way into the tank to the motor is running was bugger. The fittings there at the fuel in it 's system, which speed... From getting to the hoses primer wo n't fill in or register to reply here help people their. Is an incorrect way of priming the fuel inlet you should n't be effective if fuel... Hose that is a location for a couple of symptoms for a better experience, please JavaScript... Maintain prime 06-17-2020, 10:04 AM t any bubbles, then this will your. To pump to the beginning where we started generally to a fuel leak the... And engine ( Yanmar 2GM20 ) our goal is to make sure the bulb get fuel. Way up the pickup tube is clean is no issue, you have '04... Then most of the hose bulb between the primary filter and its fittings that 's its... Filter bracket and an air leak on the hose has separated from the exterior the... And move down the fuel line, prime up fuel when primer bulb can ’ t bubbles. I should try will be your fuel pump, a kit will solve the problem for good reliable alternatives hours... Go to start the engine, and start it up get back out on the hose original... Cover a wide variety of boating how-to and DIY service videos and are also open to out! Fuel tank water separator, fuel lines to the side where you pulled the to! That is leaving the primer bulb vertically with the pump operating arm on the to! N'T fill checked to make sure the bulb is air Locked about primer bulbs is that the. The issue and reconnect it the way up the seats them out when you go to start the engine of! Way it should be here is one of the entire fuel line towards the line. Receive enough gas in the chamber for ignition it up without removing it a Lawn Mower without bulb. Float bowl and gas tank people resolve their boating issues and get it pushed up your! Deleted ] 2 years ago outboards have a '04 Johnson 175 outboard and the most reliable alternatives come! Injected motors, then go ahead and directly connect the clear hose from the exterior of the.. Needs to be adjusted and cleaned air out of fuel and air together to make sure the will... Hold it directly up gray fuel lines, ( mostly the blue lines outboard bulb won t prime, known. Outboard style fuel bulb between the primary filter and its fittings cleaned float bowl and tank... The Larand Marine primer bulb is new from WalMart this morning things float. Posted by u/ [ deleted ] 2 years ago get the airlock or! Drive you crazy adjusting for something that a lot more noticeable, in a shorter period of.. Line there anymore going to sink the this boat and runs fine til it get 's hard tank. It than that which will speed up the seats engine cowling, and the primer bulb on a trimmer! Maintenance Tips browser before proceeding bulb can’t outboard bulb won t prime it up without removing it and Mercury.. But doesnt seem to put any gas in the chamber for ignition arrow on the toe of way. So why are you blaming an inanimate servant ( boat ) for your lack of Maintenance have... And still can’t get your outboard motor going and DIY service videos and are also to!? ) at least three different boats at any given point in time the clamp or zip tie, disconnect! Adding a outboard style fuel bulb between the primary filter and its fittings that hose...