I have a primer bulb question

[Mr Limpet]

My motor is a 2000 Johnson 150. I changed the primer bulb because it would not stay primed. It made starting difficult after a run on the lake. THe bulb would be soft. THe part I put on the boat is an OMC/BRP yellow plug bulb. I squeezed the new part repeatidly and it would not pump up firmly. Could there be air in the line between the bulb and the carbs preventing the pump action from working properly? I didnt try to crank the motor yet as there is not fuel going to the motor.
I can hear a hissing sound in the motor as I squeeze the bulb as if it is blowing air. What do you guys think? DO I have to prime the primer bulb. THe boat has half a tank of gas.
THanks for any opinions or tech advice in advance.
Barry

[DoferGofer]

I am not an expert guru, just a plane Ole ex-farm boy. However, to dis shade-tree most-of-de-time-mochanic, it sounds to me you have a leaking needle valve in a carburetor.



Regards,

[Mr Limpet]

Problem fixed. Just as I suspected. Air was trapped between the bulb and the motor. I was changing the fuel filter and had the line off the motor at the carbs. I pumped the buld just for the heck of it and it worked fine. I guess the float needle valve was really sealing. I tightened the connections so there is no chance of an air leak. I hope this helps. In the future when you relplace your bulb, connect the tank side first, pump the bulb and quickly connect the motor side of the bulb fuel line. Make sure to have all of the clamps in place when you do this.

[Garfish]

Good tip just have a fire extinguisher near and no open flame. I get nervy when I replace the engine mounted fuel/water sepaeator because of all the gas.