Outboard primer bulbs

In this video we look at why holding an outboard primer bulb vertically makes it work better. This is because gravity acts on the one-way ball valves helping them to close.

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[jamesmoline]

That was, by far, the best illustration and description of how the fuel line primer bulb functions. I am a university professor in the US, and you are a masterful teacher. Well done, you!!

[razorsharpbt]

I broke down in the Intracoastal Waterway this morning due to a faulty primer bulb. It wasn't until I returned home and autopsied it, that I discovered the bulb had some type of plastic liner, presumably to protect it from ethanol fuel. That liner had degraded and blocked the valve going to the engine and was starving it - it was three years old. I removed the liner and it works perfectly. I could kick myself because I left my spare at home. I had to get towed in and it wasn't cheap. I will always have a spare this day forward. Thanks for the video, Stu!

[christopherhebert]

I just want to say thank you. I needed more fuel than I had on hand to keep my generator running from Hurricane Ida. I was fighting to get fuel out the bulb and couldn’t get a hose into the tank. Something so simple as holding the bulb straight up allowed me to get 10 gallons out which will keep my fridge and fan running for another 2-3 days. Thank you again.

[scottarseneau]

I installed a new bulb today and couldn't get it to pump at all. Before I went to buy another one, I watched this video and poof, the vertical pumping trick worked like a charm! Thanks for saving me $20 and frustration time!

[rmhovis]

Stu, this is another brilliant video. I love knowing how every element of the boat and motor work. You are a fantastic teacher and not a bad artist!

[troywayne]

Hey, Stu. Not sure if you'll see this... but I love watching your videos. Out of many small-engine/outboard channels on youtube, you give the "how" and "why" things work the way they do. I have resurrected a mercury 25... which I would not have done without the help of your channel! Keep the great content coming... It never gets old!

[lennymoody]

Great video . Most people don't know this..
Having it vertical rather than horizontal helps expel air from the bulb also (air pocket floats to top of bulb and expelled instantly)

[RunAmok]

That just eliminated the next 4, 000 steps I was going to try to get the lines primed. Now I can move on to find out why the Bugger won't start. Thanks Mate!

[HHLBBCNOFNS]

Thanks Stu, you saved my sanity again! The bulb was intermittently priming and I couldn't figure it out. As you said old bulb, weak springs, as soon as it held it arrow up, bingo....primed in

[jackstar]

Desperate and now 12noon 24th Dec. when all marine repair shops are closed for the festive season its just lucky to come across this video to offer a solution to why I could not start my Honda 45 outboard being that fuel not getting into carburetor. Your video info is very timely. I have got now a new bulb primer and will rep;lace that 10yr old rubber primer very soon. Crossing my finger this would solve the problem. Thanks a lot and merry Christmas to you !

[benjjacko]

Well I never thought to hold the primer in a vertical position but it makes sense! I have a good running outboard but primer bulb issues after replacing it. Will give it a shot!

[michaelsolis]

Once again great info when I'm looking on YouTube I can never really find what I'm looking for then I watch your's and you always have just the info that I need and am looking for. You da Man...

[juicefreak]

Fantastic video....as a boat owner of 20 years I just squeezed the bulb to death till it felt hard to prime my motors...now I know how it actually for the tips..

[yakfishoholic]

Hi Dangar thanks for explaining the priming bulb. very helpful mate.
I had an issue this morning with a brand new outboard and fuel hose .the hose was already connected to the tank with arrow pointing in correct direction, so the other end could only go to outboard.
1st time use since picking it up from dealer.
spent an hour trying to start it.
I went home gutted after being at boat ramp at 5.am on maiden voyage.
The problem was the arrow indicating the flow direction was wrong.
I removed the primer and tried the test you showed on your video with stubby.
The bulb worked only when arrow was facing into the stubby not going out of it.
Grrr. Definitely a fail in assembley line.
keep the videos coming cheers🍺

[eightysever]

More time saved by watching another Dangar video. Thanks Much!!!!

[eriklarson]

I swore there was something else wrong with my bulb, but after holding it vertical as you state in the video, it started working right away!

[sebulva]

thank you for cutting the bulb and the valves for us.. appreciate it..

[stillakilla]

Looked on the webs everyone says replace this troubleshoot that!!Stu says turn the thing up now my brand new one i thought about replacing works fine!!!Thanks Stu!!

[TheChico]

you have no idea how this helped me figure out my issue...Thanks much

[brettsaunders]

Thanks mate, I moved my portable tank to the front of my tinny and made a new fuel line myself.
Could not get it primed then I watched this video and pointed the primer bulb arrow upwards and guess what, she primed.
Love your work
Thanks again
Brett