Primed ball question?

[LifeIsGood]

I have a 1996 Yamaha 115 Saltwater Series. The primer ball will not stay hard and the engine has trouble starting. After I get the engine cranked it runs fine and usually doesn't have issues cranking again. Went out today and had to squeeze the primer ball every time I turned the engine off to get it cranked. I replaced the primer ball last month. Also smelled like the engine was running a little rich. Any ideas? Thanks!

Edit - typing on my phone, sorry. Primer ball question?

[geobass]

Same thing happened to me. Change out the bulb with the Yamaha one and should fix your problems..

[LifeIsGood]

Thanks for the response geobass. I believe the replacement primer bulb I installed was from Yamaha. I bought it from a dealer but never double checked it, just assumed it was from Yamaha. Took the old one with me etc..

Any other suggestions if it's the right primer bulb?

[cwilt]

Check valve on fuel pickup tube?