If you have a lawn mower or any type of outdoor gear with an engine on it, you may have seen a small button on top of it, known as a Primer Bulb. You may think this button does nothing at first, but it actually serves a major role in helping your engine start and function properly. In this article, we will cover what the primer button is, how to properly use it, how to maintain it, and also what to do if it’s not functioning as it should.
It is super easy to use the primer button! First, find the button. It’s typically located on the top of the engine near a component called the carburetor. A small red or black button that is pressed most of the time. When you locate the primer button, press it a few times — three or four times, approximately — before attempting to start the engine. And pressing it helps to squirt some fuel into the carburetor, making it much easier for the engine to fire up. You press the button and pull the starter cord or turn the ignition key to start the engine. It also would help ensure the engine receives the fuel necessary to operate efficiently.
You may be asking, well why even use the primer button? Isn’t it possible to start the engine without it? Well, sometimes you can, but the primer button helps a lot! This makes the engine start quicker, stronger, and more reliable, especially if the engine has not turn on for some time. When an engine isn't running, fuel in the carburetor can evaporate, making it far more difficult to get the engine started. The primer button enables you to shoot fresh fuel into the carburetor, and this fresh fuel mixes in with the air to facilitate starting the engine. This is particularly applicable to small engines, which we frequently use for outdoor devices, such as lawn mowers, snow blowers and generators. The primer button helps you get your gear in working order each time you need to use it.
Button gets stuck and doesn’t return: This is a common symptom of a dirty carburetor or a broken primer bulb. However, if you see this issue, you can clean the carburetor or replace primer bulb to fix the issue.
Won’t push: Most likely caused by a broken or damaged spring/seal inside the primer button. To remedy this, the spring or seal can be replaced and have the button operational again.
Getting engine to crank with the primer button pressed: Even after pressing the primer button the engine might or might not crank. Could be a dirty air filter, a faulty spark plug, or just that the gas tank is low. Check all these parts, and try pumping the primer button a few more times and see if that helps.
So, the primer button is there to help you save time and money every time you fire up your engine. Using the primer button allows the engine to start quickly and run much smoother, which helps to reduce stress on the engine. This allows the engine to work less, so it can ultimately save on fuel and oil usage. Cumulatively, these are funds that add up to potentially thousands saved in gas and wear and tear over time. And you won't waste so much time trying to turn over a stubborn motor, so you can get your outside chores done faster and with less aggravation.
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