Should I replace my primer bulb ?

[lifeisfun]

After close 4 years of flawless operation I finally did some more
extensive maintenance on my G3 powered by F60.
I have replaced the impeller and for the 2nd time my 10 micron fuel filter.
I didn't re-fill the filter after installing new cartridge since from what I
can remember last time (2years ago) I just squeezed the primer bulb
couple times and it was working fine. This time I noticed that the bulb
never gets hard. I even disconnected the fuel line going to the engine.
There is clearly gas there but the pumping action is weak. ( even holding it vertical)
Do I expect too much from it or it's time for replacement?
I never ever had to pump the bulb to start the motor immediately.

I'm not cheap to replace it but the saying if ain't broken don't fix it
sometimes is good policy as well

Thanks

 

[robert graham]

Re: Should I replace my primer bulb ?

If you're holding the primer bulb vertical with the arrow faced up and you've pumped it to fill up the filter(a good bit of pumping), then the fuel lines up to the motor, then it should get hard. The primer bulb has 2, ball check valves in it, one in each end. Mine is the original 1999 that came with the motor and still works fine, so I believe Yamaha makes a good primer bulb. You can buy a new primer bulb with fuel lines and clamps at Walmart for about $15, if you need to replace yours. Maybe you should try and just keep pumping until your fuel system is full. Good Luck!

 

[lifeisfun]

Re: Should I replace my primer bulb ?

Thanks for the prompt reply!
I disconnected the gas line on the motor side, pumping like crazy, the filter is full and I can
get a bit of gas squirting out but immediately after I stop pumping the gas level drops back.
I think the check valve must be dead. I guess I'll replace it.

 

[will941s]

Re: Should I replace my primer bulb ?

Check for a leak in the line also. Make sure all your connections are tight. Sometimes a small air leak will cause the ball not hold a prime. Every once in awhile I have to retighten my lines, even if I havent used the motor. Caused my the swelling and contracting of the lines from cold to hot with the weather.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Should I replace my primer bulb ?

Yep, sounds like the primer bulb check valve is gone bad, but before you buy a new one, maybe remove/clean/flush that bulb, may have a small piece of foreign material stuck in that ball check. It would only take a grain of sand or dirt to cause it to leak back down. Good Luck!

 

[lifeisfun]

Re: Should I replace my primer bulb ?

Good point, didn't think of that
Thanks

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Should I replace my primer bulb ?

I've found they never get rock hard. Pump too much and you can flood it, so I'm told.
Assuming the bulb on my Yam is original it's 8 years old. When I first start pumping (after a week of sitting) I hear air then fuel mixed then fuel. I am pumping from tank to seperator to motor. Starts fine.
But should I be hearing air? Time to replace?