Have you ever turned the key trying to start your lawn mower or boat engine, only to have no gas come out? It can be really frustrating! A defective fuel primer bulb is a frequent culprit for this issue. A fuel primer bulb is a small, but important component to help to pump gas to the engine. These bulbs can wear out, get old, or even break over time, which can result in certain parts of the bulb not working properly. The great news is that replacing a faulty fuel primer bulb is a pretty straightforward project you can tackle yourself at home — and with minimal tools.
Take Out the Old Bulb: Gently squeeze together the two metal clips on either side of the bulb with a pair of pliers. These clips secure the bulb in its place. Now gently upon squeezing them, remove the bulb from the fuel line. Be sure to be careful when you do this so as not to damage the fuel lines and other engine components.
A bad or aged fuel primer bulb will not pump gas into your engine. This can cause significant problems, such as your engine stalling when you attempt to use it or failing to start at all. Replacing a faulty fuel primer bulb ensures that your engine gets the optimum amount of gas it needs to run if you are confused why your engine is so poor. A faulty fuel primer bulb, meanwhile, can pose potential safety hazards. If it’s leaking gas, it could pour gasoline over your engine or other components, which can be extremely dangerous.
Be Firm but not too Firm: Be careful when attempting to pry off the old fuel primer bulb from its fittings with either pliers or whatever tools you are using. You don’t want to inadvertently rip off the fuel lines, which you’ll just have to fix.
If your fuel primer bulb has been changed and your engine is still not running properly, then there are other issues to look at. Here are some common problems that can occur with fuel primer bulbs along with some troubleshooting tips:
Won't Prime: If you notice that the bulb does not stay primed then it could be the fuel lines are leaking or the primer bulb itself may be faulty. Ensure that all the fuel lines are properly connected and that the bulb is properly mounted to your engine.
The Bulb Is Hard to Press: The bulb may be hard to press at times. This problem can result from a dirty fuel filter or a faulty primer bulb. Make sure that your fuel filter is clean and that it is not blocked, and the primer bulb is not cracked in any way.