Primer pump on 1986 200 horse Looper doesn't pump fuel

[pistolpete 1961]

I can't understand why this isn't working properly. The key switch is operating fine while attempting to prime the engine before starting. I've changed several different primer pumps, even installing a new one. It just clicks no matter what pump I try using, NO fuel in to engine. Tried bench testing and it mostly just clicks. It has on occasion, very seldom works like a windshield wiper motor and squirts properly. I have checked the wire at pump itself and seems to get no voltage drop. I made sure fuel ball was pumped up, so no issue there. When I do need to start on the water I must manually pump through the primer pump by turning that lever 90 degrees and pump ball. At this time all of the primer pumps seem to leak fuel out at the pump, even the new one. That doesn't seem right. But it does pump fuel in to the intake and it then starts cold. What a inconvenience having to pull the motor cover every time the motor needs a shot of fuel to start. Anyone run in to this problem, I bet there has, help me out. This motor is a brand new powerhead and on old motor I experienced the exact same problem........ Thank you.........Pete

 

[racerone]

Well, that primer unit is NOT a pump.-------It is an electrically operated valve.----It opens up when you push the key in.-----For starting you push the key in while cranking .---That should make for near instant starting !!

 

[sutor623]

You can disconnect one of the primer lines from the back of the manifold, put it into a clear plastic bottle, then push the key in and crank the motor. See if it shoots fuel into the bottle.

On really cold days (10-15 degrees) I would prime the fuel line, push the key in, then have one of my buddies prime the bulb one more time. This would force fuel into the intake and give my starter a much easier time to crank. Just something I learned over the years..........

 

[emdsapmgr]

There are two ways the fuel primer gets pressurized fuel. 1. When the engine is cold, you prime the fuel hose bulb and that will temporarily pressurize the fuel primer solenoid/system. If you push in on the key after priming, you should get some fuel out of the choke hoses to the carbs. 2. When you go to crank the engine, the fuel pump will then pickup and continue to pressurize the fuel system, including the primer solenoid. Once you are cranking, with the key pushed in-you should see fuel flow through the choke solenoid hoses. In both cases, once you have the key to "on" and push in on the key switch, you should see fuel come out of the hoses that go to the small choke hose barbs on each carb. If both conditions are not met, you won't get any fuel to the choke system on each carb.