Primer problem

[Darley58]

I have a Johnson 48 HP Special. I couldn't get the primer bulb to get hard, so I replaced it, but it still won't get hard. What next? Also, how do you manually start the engine with the pull rope? I looked at the diagram with the owner's book, but there seems to be a tab that I can't locate on the engine.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Primer problem

Welcome to iboats.

Are you saying the pre start, when you pump up the bulb, it will not harden? Once running, it will not stay in a completely firm state.

 

[SKEETR]

Re: Primer problem

They generally don't get rock hard and the only thing else preventing them from getting firm is a bad float valve seat. How long since the carbs were rebuilt?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Primer problem

You may also want to pump it and look at all the fuel lines and the fuel pump for leaks.
Sometimes the bulb itself goes bad.

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Primer problem

i put viagra in with some seafoam in my gas lol .
as gary said fuel line leaking air in bad bulb .
pump it and watch for leaks,then try running external tank and line

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Primer problem

I know you are trying to rope start the motor, but does this engine have electric start as well? If it does, look for a red lever on the primer solenoid. If that lever is set in the MANUAL mode, that's the reason the bulb will not firm up. You are merely pumping fuel directly into the engine. The primer solenoid is the "choke" for the engine. When you push in on the key when starting the engine, the solenoid injects fuel into the engine. However, if you ran the battery down and had to rope start the motor, you can't prime it so you turn the lever to MANUAL, squeeze the bulb a couple times, then set it back and use the rope to start it. Simply wrap the rope around the flywheel and pull. Make sure nobody is behind you so you don't hit them in the face with the end of the rope.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Primer problem

also if the wiring harness is connected. they key must be in the "ON" position, or it will never start. also it takes a pretty good man to rope start those, they have to turn +-300 rpms for them to start. that is when they are properly tuned.