Primer bulb hardness

[starkyb]

I have a general question about my primer bulb. When I am about to start my 75 horse Mariner for the first time of the day, how hard should I squeeze the primer bulb. I was told by someone that I shouldn't get it as hard as I can but firm enough to get fuel in the carbs. Does anybody out there have an opinion on this?

 

[gm280]

I do remember many years ago that primer bulbs would get solid feeling when squeezed and the fuel was pushed towards the engine. However, I had heard that the EPA put a stop to those type primer bulbs and made the market change to these newer designs that just get a little firm feeling when priming. So don't expect the bulb to get solid or stop being able to squeeze when priming. It never will...

 

[racerone]

The primer bulb is a manual fuel pump.------------It saves excessive cranking with the starter to fill the carburetors-------The primer bulb must go hard after the carburetors are filled.------If it does not then there is a leak in the carburetor / fuel pump / hose connections.------The bulb does not need to be hard once the motor is running !!!

 

[Mi duckdown]

primer bulb is only needed to fill the carb/ carbs.. Once started, you should never have to pump the bulb again.??

 

[Texasmark]

I do remember many years ago that primer bulbs would get solid feeling when squeezed and the fuel was pushed towards the engine. However, I had heard that the EPA put a stop to those type primer bulbs and made the market change to these newer designs that just get a little firm feeling when priming. So don't expect the bulb to get solid or stop being able to squeeze when priming. It never will...

Don't know what you are talking about. I recently bought a Quicksilver Mercury, OEM primer bulb and hose and the bulb was just like it's been for 50 years. Has a check valve such that once you prime the engine and it gets firm/hard it holds the fuel till the engine uses it. What changed is the manner the engine is choked. An "enrichment valve" is now used (was on my 2 stroke, '02) rather than a manual butterfly across the venturi for choking.