1993 Jaohnson Fast Strike Prime ball stays Soft.

[alpo]

Second year with this 1993 Stratos 285 Pro XL, Love the rig very fast and very fishable. Problem is engine starts and runs great, but after I stop and fish for a while the ball is soft again. Sometimes I can crank and crank it will start but usually have to pump up the ball and it starts up. I Removed cover and pump[ed the ball and it will take all you can give it. Could not find a leaks at all. HELP

[JerryT]

Cheap part to change..Guessing you have a pin hole on the inside of your primer ball???

[Kerry201pro]

Dont waste your money on the Wmart attwood cheap stuff. Get a OMC/Bomb primer bulb, also might head things off at the pass and get 4 or 5 feet of marine grade fuel line. Replace the whole line and bulb. Make sure the bulb is facing fuel flow marked on bulb.

[alpo]

Thanks for in put.

[alpo]

How do I get to the tank? Guessing under the seat.

[lkhartwl]

yes under/behind the seat, unless you are very mechanical and a decent wrench have a dealer do it as just removing the seats and such can for the first timer be a PIA, I have experience on it as I redid my 201 and I do not cherish replacing the sending unit again. so I keep the boat topped off.

[alpo]

Not to bad with tools but need to save money where I can.........
I run starbord side fuel first because the gauge does not work, and then switch to port side. could this be starting the problem?????

[bassman05]

My brother runs a 95 fast strike on his 285 and he was having the same troubles changed bulbs line etc. still happened so we installed a holley red elect. fuel pump no prob with deflated bulbs now but we just did it 2 hrs ago we took the guts out of his fuel pump so no chance of it stopping the flow

[alpo]

Good news.
Stratos 285 Pro XL is back from the dead. Replaced Wal-Mart primer bulb with OMC and motor is holding fuel and starting with every touch of the key. Thanks to all you in put and comments. Saved me allot of money....

[trisonmike]

I never pump the ball on my 94 254. In fact if I do it floods the motor,and makes it difficult to start. Push the key in for 4-5 seconds and turn the key to start. Works every time.