More Primer Bulb

[steam_mill]

OK. I know the purpose of the primer bulb. It is to fill the carb float bowls with gas. If the engine is not overly tilted, Do you ever have to pump the bulb?<br /><br />You are probably wondering why I'm asking.<br /><br />My first boat was a 1972 50 hp evinrude closed bow. Got rid of it last year. Was in my slip at the cottage. <br /><br />Would get up there on the weekend, put the key in and cranked it. Always started. Rarely would prime unless I ran out of gas and had to switch tanks.<br /><br />Next boat was a gift from my neighbour. A 12' tin and a 7.5 evinrude from '54 with a pressure tank. I use the tank pressurizer to pump gas to carb and that's it. Usually don't ever pump again. Pull the cord and it starts.<br /><br />New boat is a 2004 Cutter with a 2003 90 hp Merc Classic. Again, this one I've pumped the bulb twice. Once last year when I got the boat for the first time. Then again last weekend when I started her up for the first time of the year.<br /><br />Don't plan to pump again.<br /><br />Am I missing something?<br /><br />I here everybody obsessing about the the damn bulb. Do you pump it that often?<br /><br />Comments?<br /><br />Tx.<br /><br />Joe

 

[Solittle]

Re: More Primer Bulb

Well Joe lots of these motors can be a bit finicky till you get to know them. They sort of have their own personality. After you make friends with them you get to know what they like and what they don't. Many, however, do like that squeeze of the bulb every now and again to be happy - - and we like happy motors.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: More Primer Bulb

Happy Motors?<br /><br />I know for a fact that my motors do not like to be layed up. They hate November (for the tin), September (for the 'glass boat) and I know that my geriatric 7.5 suspects she hasn't much time left and is running better and better.<br /><br />They both love the spring when the snow melts, the ice breaks and there in the water again....<br /><br />Joe

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: More Primer Bulb

For the 5 seconds that it takes to pump the bulb up, I'm willing to put up with it...

 

[LubeDude]

Re: More Primer Bulb

My Mer 150 would crank for 30 seconds or more if I didnt pump the bulb after setting for a week, I have no leaks either. I would rather pump the bulb than wear out my starter. I usually do it as I am unhooking the trailer straps at the back of the boat before launching, only takes a few seconds, Starts almost imeadiatly.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: More Primer Bulb

Yeah, what he said^^. The more cranks of the starter with no fuel in the carbs, the less lubrication on the rings and sleeves.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: More Primer Bulb

I'll start pumping....<br /><br />But I understand about gas in the carbs. My motors have always started when I turn the key. They usually don't crank very long (1-2 seconds?).<br /><br />With my merc, it is more of a problem keeping it started but then again, everyone has the same complaint....<br /><br />Once I have the routine down, it starts at the first crank if I advance the throttle.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: More Primer Bulb

If it's starting right up initially and then sputtering, it's because it is starting on the gas that has been sitting in the fuel bowls and then sucking air until the line fills up with fuel from the pump. If you pre-fill the line with the bulb, this problem may go away. Good luck and post back if the primer bulb makes it idle better after start up.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: More Primer Bulb

Good point Quantumleap, Sometimes its hard to change peoples minds about certain things that have worked for them for years. Understanding how carbs work and why things are made the way they are helps sometimes.<br /><br />I used to think that if I pumped the bulb to many times that I would flood the engine. Wrong. Because of that though, I had trouble starting my engines sometimes. I do not remember when I had my mind changed, but I finally did.

 

[steam_mill]

Re: More Primer Bulb

Gents:<br /><br />I stand corrected. I was up working in cottage country and spent a week with the boat.<br /><br />My engine is no longer finicky (sp?). I pump the bulb, advance the throttly about 1/5. Press key in for choke and voila, the thing starts much better.<br /><br />I tried not pumping, and the engine acted like it did last season.<br /><br />So, don't listen to what I have said. I will always pump the bulb from now on.....<br /><br />Joe

 

[arvendal]

Re: More Primer Bulb

Question from a newbie: could it be that when you raise the engine after use (with the powertrim) the old fuel is drained from the carbs and therefore the need for pumping?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: More Primer Bulb

Were ever the fuel goes, the carbs always seem to empty some with a breif period of setting. Pumping the bulb just fills them completly allowing them to perform as they were designed.<br /><br />Seam_mill: Your a man for admitting to something you were miss guided on. Sometime it takes some one to let us know the correct procedure. As a matter of fact, i used to think that if I pumped my bulb too much, that I would flood my engine, Not true. I learn something new most every day. Had egg on my face a few times in my life.<br />---------------------<br />

 

[JasonJ]

Re: More Primer Bulb

I was taught early on that the bulb gets pumped 'till rock hard, and I have always stuck with that. My old Merc will fire right up after a good pumping, but if not pumped it will just crank and crank and crank....