Another prime bulb question

[Marcq]

Can you install the bulb before the fuel filter/water separator ? Got stranded a bit yesterday on the water, had to bypass the filter. I had changed the filter  the day before, first I didn't know you had to fill it up with gas before installing it, but even doing that, once the engine uses the gas in the filter there is no way I can prime it again, not sure if the problem is the filter or leak maybe

Marc..

[Mad Dog]

Can you install the bulb before the fuel filter/water separator ? Got stranded a bit yesterday on the water, had to bypass the filter. I had changed the filter  the day before, first I didn't know you had to fill it up with gas before installing it, but even doing that, once the engine uses the gas in the filter there is no way I can prime it again, not sure if the problem is the filter or leak maybe

Marc..

I see no reason not to. Seems to me though that a primer after the filter should pull the air out of the line.  How old is the primer you currently have?

I have also seen low volume electric pumps installed.  Can help out if your VRO or diapham pumps go out.

MD  

[Marcq]

Can you install the bulb before the fuel filter/water separator ? Got stranded a bit yesterday on the water, had to bypass the filter. I had changed the filter  the day before, first I didn't know you had to fill it up with gas before installing it, but even doing that, once the engine uses the gas in the filter there is no way I can prime it again, not sure if the problem is the filter or leak maybe

Marc..

  How old is the primer you currently have?



MD  

New, changed the old one thinking that could be the problem

Marc..

[RickK]

I have the bulb in front of the separator on one boat and after it on the other  

[scott_gunn]

If, by "before", you mean between the gas tank and the filter/water seperator, then that's how I have mine.  I do have minor problems - I have to repump the bulb after sitting with the engine off for a few minutes.  It's probably not related to the location of the primer bulb, but I'm no expert, maybe it is?

[GoneFission]

What you are describing is a classic indication of an air leak in the line somewhere.  Probably a loose clamp or an oversize clamp is allowing the bulb (and the engine fuel pump) to pull air.  Air is easier to pump that gas, so an air leak results in the engine not wanting to run under high fuel demand conditions, like startup or wide open.  

Check the clamps on the hoses everywhere upstream to the tank.  Make sure clamps are tight and the right size for the fuel line.  When you squeeze the bulb, you should not get air in the bulb, just gas.  The bulb should get hard after the carbs are filled.  If the bulb remains soft, there's air in there.

Good luck!

[Mad Dog]

That's some good info Capt John!  I stands to reason that you will trap some air in the system when changing the filter and could give you a little trouble, but only for a few minute.  If the problem persists, it's leaking air.  Going back to Marc's original post he could have a bad seal on the filter bowl.  

MD  

[Marcq]

I need a bang head emoticons, no wonder I had a air leak, my old filter bracket had two brass plug, the new one came with 3 plugs, was wondering why? A spare one I thought. The third plug had to go under the bracket DOH
found that out when I installed the prime bulb before the filter, gas was poring out from under the bracket, talk about a major air leak

Marc..

[RickK]

Live and learn.  If we knew everything already it would be no fun