Fuel System - Primer Bulb

[Wayne'sWorld]

I went out to start the motor for the first time this season and encountered this problem: Primer bulb squeezed flat and will not "re-inflate" with gas.  A visual inspection of hose from fuel/water separator shows no kink, no cracks or loose fittings.  I know enough not to fool around with something I don't know enough about, so I'm reaching out to ask if someone will tell me if I am on the right track with understanding the purpose and design of a primer bulb.

Based on how I think things work, the primer bulb must contain some sort of valve that prevents backflow of fuel mixture when squeezed.  If I am squeezing the bulb and it goes flat, then fuel mixture is not flowing into the bulb from the fuel tank (and, yes, there is gasoline in the tank).  So the steps in diagnosis would be to work backward from the motor?  Check the fuel filter in the motor first to be sure it is not clogged, then disconnect fuel line between the bulb and the motor and squeeze the bulb to see if it pumps, then disconnect bulb and replace?  I'm figuring this as a start.

Any response would be appreciated.  Thanks.   :study:

[GoneFission]

If the primer bulb stays flat, you need to look between the bulb and the tank - kinked hose, blocked pickup, etc.

[RickK]

Could be a stuck ball in the bulb too.

[seabob4]

When was the last time you replaced your bulb?  Did it go "flat" on the first squeeze?

[akbridge]

It could be a collapsed fuel line between the bulb and tank, restricted intake on your tank, or a faulty anti-siphon valve on the tank.  If the boat has been sitting over winter it might be time to flush the tank and lines.  Is the fuel line ethanol resistant?  I have seen mercury fuel line turn soft and deteriorate for ethanol before.  Good luck.

[Wayne'sWorld]

Never replaced the bulb in the three years I've owned the boat.  It was on the second squeeze that the bulb did not recover.  Also, made the error of trying to start the motor without priming the line.  One turnover of the key and, whoops, realized I missed something.
Did repair tank two years ago and intalled new anti-syphon valve on the tank.  Primer bulb has not recovered since yesterday, remains flat.
I'm thinking better to remove the bulb first for inspection before lifting the tank cover and looking for line problems?  Comments?

[seabob4]

Comments?  Replace now.  OMC/BRP makes the best one...

[akbridge]

You have to start somewhere.  A primer bulb is a cheap easy place to start.  You might want to see if you can pull fuel from the tank to where the primer bulb should be when you remove the bulb.  This will tell you if you are getting fuel to it.  Also take two fuel tanks and put some fuel line on the bulb to see if it will pull fuel from one tank to another.

[Wayne'sWorld]

Thanks for the help.  I'll post back when I have the chance to get at it.  Much obliged!

[Wayne'sWorld]

I disconnected the fuel hose from the fuel filter/separator.  I removed the separator and checked for water by emptying into a glass jar and letting it sit all day.  The amount of crud was a bare minimum, much less than 1/8 teaspoon (that's one kitchen implement that's not going back in the drawer.  Hmmm, I can't imagine where that would have got to dear?)
The hose from the fuel separator to the squeeze bulb, then the bulb to the motor's fuel filter is new last year.  Sierra 2000 alcohol resistant USCG type B2.
I mixed 2 gallons of fresh gasoline with 5.2 oz. TCW-3 new out of the container 2 stroke oil.  Inserted the fuel line into this mix, pumped the bulb and it primed the motor no problem.  Connected the garden hose to the motor and she fired right up with the appropriate accompanying amount of white smoke.  Motor's fuel pump sucked fuel out of this auxilliary tank just fine.
So now I am going backward through the system to the fuel tank, replacing old fuel line where needed and checking fittings for corrosion.  I'm betting it's going to be that anti-syphon valve.

[akbridge]

Sounds like the the anti-siphon valve to me.  It sure would be a shame to have it mysteriously have the guts disappear from the anti-siphon valve.  That would take care of such a problem from ever occurring again.  Good luck

[John Jones]

That's what happened to mine (with the help of a drill press).  ;)

[Wayne'sWorld]

Update:

Tilted the console to starboard for better access to the access plate installed on the fuel tank hatch (cover... you know, that big old piece of plywood over the fuel tank on the CCP) which is right over the tank's anti-syphon fitting.  The access plate is 4 1/2" I.D. which renders it nearly useless.  So I figure I'll cut a larger rectangular access hole in the tank lid (watching out not to hit the fuel line , of course!) and install a 11 x 15 access cover since it's under the console anyway.  Went down to West Marine to have a look-see at what's out there and, holy crap, they want $65 for it!  

I'm thinking of rabbeting a 1/4" deep cut in the hatch and caulking in a piece of starboard. then tightening it up with screws.  This way, if I ever have trouble again, at least I'll have working room.

Just thinking...

Wayne

[cc150a]

had the same problem. replaced the bulb  and that did it