4.8/5 (607 Views. Pump the bulb until it is firm to the touch. Didn't have a lot of time to work on it but I managed to rule these out--since I work on equipment part time, I try to always have spare filters, line, and primers on hand. I replaced the bulb and it will not get hard. Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. If the snow blower won’t start up, wait an hour or two to allow the fuel stabilizer more time to dissolve residue, and then try again. Watch the Fuel Filter. Topic: Primer bulb won't stay hard (i.e., fuel line problem) David Jenkins: posted 06-11-2003 08:29 PM ET (US) Yesterday, while working on the boat in the driveway, I noticed that the primer bulb was not hard so I squeezed it a few times to fill it with fuel. Rather than "soft" was it "partially collapsed"? Blower, lawn mower, weed eater, trimmer I noticed my primer bulb won't stay hard on the engine side so for me that's my only clue. 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! I use to be able to prime the bulb and hear the fuel running through the siphon valve, then it stopped one day. Make sure fuel is good/fresh and fuel lines are not pinched or plugged. So it sounds like you have a bad fuel pump. Solution: A commom problem with the MTX-75 manual transmission is a loose roll pin in the selector mechanism. Metacafe,  Inspect the carburetor bulb for cracks on its face. Marine Mechanic. 16 years of experience. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. If you have just replaced the fuel hose or bulb, double-check that the arrow on the bulb points from the tank to the motor (it has one-way valves in it). Replace if necessary . Well, one problem is, if its an 8.1, its not a diesel. Great thanks...I call Bills tomorrow. If the filter appears dirty, replace it with new one. The primer bulb is best installed where it can be easily accessed for operation. Easy quick test. Facebook. Large images may take a few minutes to appear. Loosen fuel cap and try to start, if it starts and runs the fuel cap vent is plugged. Remove spark plug and try to move engine manually. Never had any issues with the motor starting, idling or running WOT. With the arrow pointing to the side where you pulled the hose off. Over time, some of the ingredients in the fuel may evaporate, leaving behind a thicker, stickier substance. Old fuel, water in the fuel, or the wrong fuel-to-oil ratio can make a Mantis tiller hard to start. it could be a slight crack or weathering in the bulb or the hose. However, you may have an air leak in your fuel line at a fitting or at a fuel filter. I have a fairly new motor with original fuel line and bulb. Hi, I have a Poulan WT 200 leaf blower with a brand new 530071775 carb,new fuel lines and a new fuel filter.I can't get the primer bulb to fill with fuel.I've tried with the carb attached & unattached to the engine block.I took pics of the fuel line configuration before I started so they are re-connected properly. If you see a current, then it is not the pump. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. New one won't stay hard either, still surging. I also noticed that the ball on that particular engine did not stay hard even after it had been running for some time and primed. This post covers both HID and halogen lighting systems. Pull the starter rope sharply if the engine won’t start. If the adjustment is ok, a new revised selector mechanism must be fitted. Good luck. If it doesn't move engine is seized. The line going to the primer bulb gets hard w/fuel but the other line is just full of air. Inspect the fuel line for leaks and kinks to make sure fuel can flow. It could be a simple issue like a fuel filter plugged so tight that no fuel can pass through. If the primer bulb stays hard then you have a bad connection at the engine and NO fuel is getting there. YouTube,  If the motor gets its power back then u know that there is nothing wrong with your injectors and this is a fuel system issue. Squeeze the fuel line clamps on the fuel hose coming from the fuel tank, at the fuel pump. Fuel line bulb would not stay hard, replaced with new. Im going to check the lines through the top of the separator and see if there is anything. When they go bad, they won’t stay hard. I'm pretty technical in my work but don't wrench on motors. Step 1. When you release the rope, the tabs should retract and the rope should rewind back on the pulley. Note: Your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. There can be many reasons why a 9.9 horsepower Mercury outboard will not activate; e.g. If it still won't start, the problem could be the spark plug, ... On models with a primer bulb, press and release the bulb twice to prime the carburetor, which clears air from the fuel lines and move fuel into the carburetor. IS YOUR Briggs and Stratton engine Priming correctly? Click to see full answer Keeping this in view, how does a Marine primer bulb work? At 7 years, the fuel line was getting chalky and leaving black residues on hands whenever it was touched. Inspect the fuel filter for blockage or discoloration. If I pump the bulb a few times it a few times the motor runs and then stalls. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. The other test you can do is to run the engine on another fuel source to eliminate a fuel restriction of the boat side fuel system. 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. Smart bulbs acting up? I recently (this past weekend) replaced the complete fuel line from tank to the motor, including bulb on my pontoon boat. 1 decade ago. Fuel primer ball won't stay hard. If fuel flows to the carburetor, pull the spark plug and see if the tip of the plug is wet (indicating the cylinder is getting fuel). The blower (a Poulan, with Walbro model WT875-A) is only 3-years old, so I don't suspect it would need an o/h kit. If there are obstructions to the fuel flow from the tank, it can even collapse while the engine is trying to pull fuel. one thing to check would be your primer ball. Check the oil level. I don't believe either fuel line has a crack. Troubleshoot Carburetor Step 1 Turn your chain saw on and let it idle. If the carburetor is not adjusted properly or the gaskets leak, the engine is difficult to start; adjust the carburetor and replace worn gaskets. 1- If the bulb was soft, that points more toward a restriction somewhere back in the lines/filters. Facebook. No fuel at your carburetor can be caused by many things. It primed up fine and to hard pressure with just a few pumps, maybe 5 pumps. Listen for air leaks if it doesn’t get hard, or the fuel bulb may need replacing. 06-17-2012, 05:02 PM. Note: Your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. faulty, fuel lines not hooked up properly/pinched. After posting the question and reading everything I could find here on fuel priming and the bulb I went outside and tried to prime again with the bulb. I wonder if that is why it won't start. Jimmy Jig. I have the same problem. Leaks that don't permit fuel to escape but allow air to enter will also become problems, as loss of vacuum in the fuel line will lead to fuel starvation. Easily create a Forum Website with Website Toolbox. Remove and check for problems. When the primer bulb isn't working, it may be a problem with the bulb itself, with the fuel lines that feed fuel to the bulb or both. Remove the spark plug, and wipe it dry with a clean rag. The 8.1, or Vortec 8100, is a gas engine. I replaced the bulb and it will not get hard. Give your feedback by voting on answers. Consult a pro. Then the two check valves open and allow fuel to flow. It was not fuel filter, line, or primer! Then today, after … The anti siphon valve can get plugged or sticky also. Dailymotion,  The small fuel line that has the fuel connected to it in the fuel tank should connect to the carburetor. Problem: Very hard to engage fifth gear or cannot be engaged at all. This troubleshooting guide will help you determine why your 9.9HP Mercury boat motor won’t start. It's relatively new, but I do see a slight crack (not all the way through). 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. Many features may not work properly without it. Fuel lines become brittle over time and can crack or break. Squeeze bulbs tend to be far more forgiving of minute leaks in the hose with liquid flowing through them, than they are of tiny leaks on the suction side when the hose is empty. Bad starter recoil. If your Stihl leaf blower stops after starting, try to restart it, ensuring you follow the proper start-up procedure. Disconnect the fuel line from the engine side of the bulb. Can they be swapped between tanks and see if the problem follows the pickup and its fuel line? If your URL is correct, you'll see an image preview here. Check the primer bulb. Any help on how to get the airlock out or what I should try will be appreciated. My question is aside from the fuel filter head what are the other areas that are common to leak. Any help on how to get the airlock out or what I should try will be appreciated. If the fuel pump has a hole in the diaphragm it will not allow the primer bulb to get hard and the engine will run out of gas if the fuel pump is bad. Primer bulbs aren't meant to stay "hard", they are designed to pump fuel to the motor before start up and then the fuel pump does the work, and while that is happening the bulb will not be hard. I found an inline return filter to be cracked. Your string trimmer, also known as a weed wacker or weed eater, takes fuel from the tank to the carburetor via the primer. Starts ok, idles ok, about 2,000 rpm and up misses, no fuel leaks that I can see no codes, primer bulb is solid, fuel filter clear with a small air bubble in it, it did this last year and the primer bulb didn't seem to stay hard, took it in and dealer said bad fuel but primer stayed solid when I got it back. BUT, the bulb won't stay totally firm either. Jason. 06-24-2013, 07:37 PM. There may not even be signs of leaking, since a fuel line leak on the tank side would have to be above the fuel level for leakage to show. I noticed getting the bulb filled with [fuel] was a real [aggravation]. Lights Overview. Step 2 Starter recoil is just jammed or actually broken. Car is hard to start Inspection: $79.99 - $89.99: Get a Quote: Jay Safford . Vimeo,  I pulled it out to check the issue. The pulling speed can’t be too limp. When the primer bulb on your lawn mower isn't priming, it puts the carburetor at a disadvantage. Thank you!,,,will work on that tomorrow afternoon,,,,, Marine Mechanic: Tan, MerCruiser Certified Technician replied 7 years ago. Engine is seized. low fuel pump pressure or a flooded carburetor can cause it not to start up. Metacafe,  The most common cause of the fuel system not holding pressure up to the injectors is the fuel pump inside the fuel tank. First thing to replace is the bulb, right? Smart bulbs acting up? I replaced with Evinrude 3/8" line and Evinrude 3/8" primer bulb. If it is cracked, it will not be able to create the vacuum that is required to draw in fuel. Remove and check all fuel filters located in the fuel line and in the carburetor. ... and tilting the engine up should not drain any fuel from your carbs. The bulb is NOT suppose to stay hard. Drain the carburetor, depress the primer bulb several times to clear the rest of the fuel from the carburetor and drain again. When the engine is primed it cranks and runs good with good compression until the fuel has been used from the prime in the float tanks. Check valve needed to be wetted? Quick fix: put some grease on the end fittings at the tank and motor. Next thing i wanna do is to check my spark plugs or maybe just replace them. Surging at higher RPM. PS - If it's that VST float valve, you're running Rich. A couple weeks ago my boat broke down, the bulb wouldnt stay hard and i flooded it to high hell. I removed and replaced the fuel-water separator (had a … I had to removed the AS valve years ago when I was running a thirsty merc because it will kill the engine after a 10 minutes WOT run, never put it back (18 years ago). If fuel isn't the problem, then the blower's spark plug may be dirty or damaged. Try a manual reset. pumped it up and it was good the rest of the day. i would check that first then try some differnt fuel. I'm unsure if I am not setting the fuel filter in the right location? Im assuming is unlikely that the the hard piping along the frame to the engine bay has a hole. Never had any issues with the motor starting, idling or running WOT. Try to start the chainsaw after priming the carburetor. I do have a service manual and purchased it from BB some years ago. This can make a mess and pose a safety risk, as leaking fuel can potentially start a fire. Supported videos include: Drain the carburetor and tank, refill with fresh fuel and add oil at the recommended fuel-to-oil ration. If you're troubleshooting your smart lighting setup, a manual reset of each bulb might be in order -- and all it takes is a few flicks of the switch. More noticeable at lower rpm's, and yes would run pretty badly. If there is no current, check the fuse. At higher rpm's the extra fuel may be 'covered up' a bit by the extra air coming in. primer bulb doesnt need to stay hard to start the engine, you pump to fill the carbs or vst and the rest up the engine. Air and fuel should leak out as you pump. 18,277 satisfied customers. Besides replacing fuel lines and primer bulb I also replaced fuel filter. The fuel bulb is soft. Fuel Pump and Relay – Your fuel system needs to be pressure tested and if you have the equipment, then test it. When you pull the starter rope, tabs extending from the pulley and cam should grab the hub on the engine, causing the engine to turn. The lift pump is "trying" but can't bring the fuel. Compare it to the other engine. Supported videos include: Here are the symptoms: Boat started and ran ok for about a hour; when I went to st … read more. Not recommended to run a "T" off of one pickup tube. 0 0. My f115 is doing the same thing. New of these 3 didn't change anything. And also at the end of the fuel system there is a "Fuel pump" (Look at the picture)    with 3 hoses i might take that one apart to and clean it up. Is my PRIMER BULB WORKING? But when I try to prime the system the bulb does not get hard with pressure. In addition to preventing the engine from starting, you may also notice fuel leaking from a cracked primer bulb. MR. T. Lv 6. Another logical cause could be the fuel pump. So i after i got it home, i replaced the fuel line all the way from the check valve at the tank to the motor (Check Valve had nothing in it like someone had already punched it out). The bulb was soft after running. Comment . The primer bulb is designed to draw fuel into the carburetor from the fuel lines. Also check and adjust if necessary the gearshift cables. If the primer will not prime, the engine will not run. I'll be checking fuel pressure next. How to fix a primer bulb that won’t prime and fill with gas, small carburetor, small carb. Ask Your Own Boat Question. If not, what else? Remove the starter assembly and inspect it to determine if it is working properly. I replaced the bulb and it will not get hard. Links below may help trouble shoot your issue including manual. A defective fuel gauge can be a symptom of several problems such as a blown fuse, a broken circuit in the dash panel, or a fractured float -- the part attached to the sending unit in the intake fuel pump. 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