Primer Bulb Problems

[SATCHER]

I have twin 1998 90hp engines model # E90SLECM on<br />a Glacier Bay Cat. Each engine has seperate 50 gal. fuel tank. The primer bulbs on each engine will not pump up (60% of the time). Replacing the bulbs had no effect. It is a problem with engines cold and warm. When engines are shut down at sea for more than 10 min. Engine or engines won't start accompanied by flat primer ball.Once I can get some fuel into line (I have resorted to siphoning) the engine will start.This problem is<br />intermittent and a real pain. Gas has a terrible after taste.<br />Thanks<br />JD

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Primer Bulb Problems

if the bulbs go flat, it's a venting problem in the<br />tanks. do you have fuel seperators on the lines?<br />those filters could be clogged. I would try to<br />open the tank fill tubes and see if that fixes it.<br />try a search (above red icon) on fuel starvation.<br />there's a lot of good info there to read.<br />good luck and welcome aboard,<br />M.Y.

 

[DJ]

Re: Primer Bulb Problems

JD,<br /><br />mellowyellow, has a good idea. Loosen the fill caps to see if that helps.<br /><br />Also,<br /><br />Your tanks have "anti-siphon" valves. They are located at the tank outlet. They could be sticking.

 

[Bear]

Re: Primer Bulb Problems

Anti-siphon topic in the Boat questions section <br /><br />I tried this link but it didn't work right now. Try later:<br /> http://marinemechanic.com/asof-8-29/antsiphon.htm

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Primer Bulb Problems

A friend of mine has the same boat and the same problem with Yamahas. Obviously it has nothing to do with the motors. He has had several marinas look at it and they keep looking at the motors and replacing the filters. I suggested checking / removing the anti siphon valves, which he did but has not run the boat since. I also suggested the loose cap deal but he already tried that. No help. I suggested that when he checks / removes the valves to pull the pick up out of the tank to see if it has a filter on it that may be pinched / plugged. Or if the pick up is otherwise restricted. <br /><br />Pop one valve out and try it. Let us know!<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Popeye 17]

Re: Primer Bulb Problems

I just had the same problem. Traced it to the male quick disconnect on the fuel tank. This was a new tempo 28 gal tank. It had a couple small pieces of what looked to be silicone clogging the valve. The flat primer bulb was the tip off. A venting problem or a fuel restriction. Nice boat.<br /><br /> Mark

 

[Hooty]

Re: Primer Bulb Problems

It might be to inconvenient for you but I have removed both of the disconnects in my fuel line. Seems like they're just something else to malfunction. Also flows more fuel.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[AndyL]

Re: Primer Bulb Problems

Is it possible to disconnect the lines at the tanks and plug into a portable 25 gallon tank to prove whether the problem is in the lines or the tanks. Sure you could borrow a tank for the test and it may save you the hassle of trying to get into fixed tanks if they are anything like mine. Best of luck.

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Primer Bulb Problems

It might require you change the bulbs out to some that are less flimsy, and can handle a slight negative pressure without collapsing off tight.