primer bulb - The Hull Truth

Art Vrola · 06-29-2009, 06:51 AM

250F '06. this is 4th season with the boat. After winter storage, I launched early May, motor started right up as always, ran at dock for about 5 minutes, headed to my slip & motor died. Can't prime with bulb, but primed lines from motor back to gas tank and all was OK. This w/e took boat out, same thing happened. Could it be my primer bulb? it's not collapsed, but how do I know its the problem. I realize its only a $15.00 part and will certainly replace it, but could it be fuel pump? All gas is fresh and all filters have been checked & double checked. Thanks for your help.

DavidInWilmNC · 06-29-2009, 07:32 AM

I know part of the problems I had yesterday (boat ran at dock and died while waiting for a friend to park the van / trailer) were due to the bulb. It turns out it had deep cracks in it. The rubber is soft and 'seems' to work, but I squeezed it really hard and gas squirted out of it. It's less than a year old, has not been in the sun for more than a day at a time (stored off the boat), and has been used maybe 5 times. I can't believe how poorly these are made.

A1 Outboard · 06-29-2009, 09:44 AM

Could be the primer bulb, but remeber its only job it to move fuel to the engine for initial startup. If the engine started and ran the fuel must be there. Diagnosis of the problem requires a vacuum and pressure tes of the fuel system. The problem could be the lift pump on the engine or a restriction or vacuum leak in the fuel lines or tank. Have it tested, you will save a lot of time and money.