merc fuel priming proble

[fireguyfire]

Hey guys; I have a 94 Merc 115 outboard that has been fully maintained and has treated me very well over the years. This spring I changed out the fuel line from the fuel tank to the motor because the valve in the primer bulb had failed. Since I have done that, I cant seem to get it to prime right to start easily; every time it is a 10 minute battle back and forth to reprime, see if it will start, etc. The fuel filter is translucent and so you can see the fuel level in it; even after I prime with the bulb it doesnt fill the filter all the way (maybe 2 3rds); is this normal, or should the fuel filter show solid with fuel?
This morning after doing the same dance I had my son turn the key while I held pressure on the primer bulb to keep fuel to the carbs and it fired instantly. Also, if you prime the bulb until it wont go anymore (which fills the fuel filter 2/3 the way up) and you do nothing, you can see the fuel level slowly go back down until the fuel filter is empty again.
So my questions are, is my new fuel bulb and fuel lines faulty (it seems to take forever for the bulb to refill with fuel once you squeeze it the first time), or do I have a leak or something plugged in the system so that it wont hold fuel pressure when you try to prime?
Oh, and yes the bulb is installed properly with the arrows facing the motor; I know they are directional.
Any suggestions to fix this annoying problem?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

I would suspect the new primer bulb.

 

[fireguyfire]

Okay, I was reading about proper primer bulb operation online, and I had no idea that orientation can be a huge factor in them working properly; seems universally suggested that you orientate the bulb vertically so that the one way check valves work properly. Mine is orientated horizontally, and perhaps a bit "downhill". Opinions on whether this could be my issue?

 

[Mi duckdown]

Primer bulb arrow pointed to motor?

 

[Dukedog]

If it won't work at tha horizontal its junk. Get an OEM bulb..................

 

[fireguyfire]

An update; I shortened the fuel line closer to the motor so the primer bulb is orientated vertically and now it works beautifully! 1 1/2 pumps and its rock hard like a tennis ball and stays that way. The motor jumps to life as soon as you turn the key, so orientating the bulb is a factor.

 

[Texasmark]

My manual says to orient it vertical while priming. Funny in over 50 years of boating I seldom if ever did that and had no problems. But now I know and I do it and I did replace with an OEM bulb since I had heard many comments about aftermarket having problems.

Glad you got her fixed and your feedback helps the guys that answered you and the rest of us be reassured that our answers are accurate and helpful.

Mark