which gasket should i start with?

[auro2tango]

So my primer bulb on my 94 Force 40 will not stay firm, it fills the filter but i can easily squeeze the bulb for an indefinite amount of time. I have a complete gasket set for the entire engine, i recently rebuilt the carb and fuel filter and there is no gas/oil mix leak that I can see, but i clearly have pressure loose somewhere. I believe I narrowed it down to the headgasket, fuel pump gasket (the one behind the fuel pump cover), Transfer port gasket, or the drain reed gaskets. Im most likely going to replace them all, but your 2 cents are worth every penny.

 

[GA_Boater]

Lets cross some things off your list of suspects - Head gasket, transfer port gasket and reed drain gaskets. These won't cause your soft bulb issue.

The problem is in the fuel system - Fuel pump, carb, hose or bulb.

Check the fuel pump diaphragm for tears and working check valves.

Check the float level and needle valve/seat in the carb.

Check the hoses for leaks - From the tank and the internal hoses under the cowling.

Bulb - How old is it? Might be worth replacing it because the check valves inside do fail.

Others may some thoughts on this.

 

[auro2tango]

the bulb and fuel lines are new, the fuel pump was rebuilt last weekend. New Check Valves, new gaskets, and nothing leaking from the fuel pump, the carb also isn't leaking and also has all new gaskets, float is good, the fuel line connections are also not leaking. This is gonna be one of those chasing down till i drive myself to the drink. lol. But believe me i will run out and recheck all those things, right now. Could my incredible hulk like hand strength be the problem. . . Just kidding, im built like gumby.

 

[jerryjerry05]

A "NEW" bulb can be bad??
Your motor came with 2 styles of pump.
The older one has more problems with the diaphragms.

​The not getting hard usually is the diaphragm.
A "NEW" diaphragm can go bad in 1 second???
Check it.

​As you squeeze the ball you see any fuel inside the carb?