Briggs Primer bulb won't prime, the fix

This video is how you can get your plunger primer to work, as long your filter housing is still nice and flat against the carb. Mine wasn't

[biancamcdermott]

Very helpful video. I replaced the carb and then encountered this priming problem. I sorta worked through it in the backyard but it still doesn't work correctly. Your video has given me hope I am not an idiot nor am I alone in lawn mower universe! Thanks.

[MontanaFree]

THANK YOU! This was exactly the problem I had with my Snapper 6.0 Briggs mower. It would start with 1 pull and run all day with a shot of starter fluid. Now starts 1 pull with a primer bulb push.

[csx]

Very good presentation of very good analysis and problem remediation. I've never had this problem with my 26 year old Craftsman / B & S unit and unlike you I'm not ready to replace mine so I will keep this in mind for future reference. A while back I did replace the bulb due to deterioration.

[chrisczarnik]

A very good information, this what is probably stopping my Victa mowers with the same plate and red bubble to start. Will try your trick.👍👍👍

[mojavegold-]

Thanks for an interesting video! I am resurrecting a Troy-Bilt 22-inch string trimmer that was left outside unused for years. I had already cleaned it up, checked compression and replaced the primer bulb. Today a Chinesium replacement carb arrived - and the plastic throttle lever was installed facing the wrong way! I wedged the plate out using an X-acto knife as a shoehorn, and it's all back together correctly now. Carb works ok - but still no prime. I will try the stacked gaskets - then your clever trick next.

[patandsandytrierweiler]

Great video. Doubling the primer bulb gasket works for awhile...what's next? Buying a new primer bulb plate? Yes! But, personally, I traced and cut out an aluminum foil primer gasket. I used automotive gasket sealer with a toothpick to seal the foil gasket to the perimeter of the air channel. Replaced the two bulb primer gaskets. Ta da! I also added washers to 2/3rds of the retaining bolts for more uniform compression. Tighten only as required.

[PaulHenreid]

Same problem. I removed the filter behind the primer bulb and taped the bottom portion of the gasket to seal any air leaks. It worked a few months and then the same problem returned and I went back to a couple squirts of starter fluid in the carburetor.

[randybarnhart]

Love this video and the comment about the toothbrush.

[mgomez]

As long as it primes is all that matters. I'm going to try your method.

[k.e.k.]

What's the choke type replacement carb number. Thanks. Good video.

[robwinter]

Was my issue also - so I use some gasket maker at the bottom of the gasket. Used water/soap to test and it does blow bubbles. Poor design I agree. Right - I 've seen my mower with and without the choke. Thank you for the video.

[mjg]

Had the exact same problem with a Briggs equipped Craftsman mower that wouldn’t prime. The double gasket trick didn’t work but putting a very thin coat of gasket sealer around the lip of that stupid open area on the filter housing fixed it immediately and for good. Since it’s on the air side and not the gas side I’m not concerned about using sealer there. Some folks cover that channel area with masking tape which works too. I don’t get why they left that open, dumb idea!

[dennyk]

Can you give me info on where I can get a carburetor with a choke… I’d rather try that.

Thank you in advance, .. Denny

[philliphall]

I put duck tape on lower part of houseing and then gasket
Work great 👍
As long as it works who cares
Right 😊

[charlesroberts]

A freind of mine had a snowblower that. Wouldn’t prime . So he drilled a hole in the box carburetor housing so he could squirt gas or starting fluid in carb then it would start right up

[mgomez]

They make the shit to give repair shops work.

[joshuaryanferguson]

ive never had any problems with the primer system i like them alot better then the auto choke because theres more stuff on them to fail an its always gonna be the flap sense its always setting on something hot an same for the thermometer

[kevinwatson]

I am in the same situation. I put a small spray of Gumout Carb Cleaner in the carb each time to start it.

[mowman]

a bit of sealer is the only fix that seems to work have tried washers on the mounting bolts and double gaskets sometimes might get lucky but sealer addresses the poor design. A double gasket does work on plastic carb over tank mowers when the plastic carb warps a bit.

[larryestes]

Thank you that is exactly what was wrong with It 👍