thanks for your videos. Pre-preparing helps, but there's nothing like good old fashion experience out on the water lol. My bulb was sucking flat, not sure what was going on, I kept squeezing it and flooded the engine. Then I used your trick of starting on full throtle and it worked! So now I have your insight on what might be going wrong with the bulb, I suspect faulty air valve on the gas tank.
That was really helpful. Just changed all my fuel lines and bulb, but I could get it to prime. Watched your video and then went out and put the bulb vertical and instantly primed! Thanks
I bought a new fuel line assembly with a defective bulb. It would barely push any gas, enough to fire, but not run. The seller sent me a new assembly and this one works fine! If you get a bad one, tell your seller what you did to check it and what it's doing or not doing and don't write an angry email. They'd rather keep your business and might send you another one for free like they did for me! My seller was "Overstock Boat Parts!"
I keep coming back to your video… boat had sat for a few years prior to me getting it. So I drained tank cleaned carbs and replaced filter. Go run it 15 minutes in bulbs flat. Replace anti syphon valve pick up tube and all new fuel lines and new pump. Tank vent is clear. Primer bulb is also new. Just went out on water and 15min in bulb is flat.
That’s crazy, it has to be upstream. Generally bulbs going flat has to be a blockage or issue between the tank side of the bulb to the tank vent. This creates low pressure at the bulb. But it sounds like you checked everything.. try cracking the fuel cap just to rule out venting issue. Hold bulb vertical and shake it before priming to get the check valves in position. If you haven’t, change the fuel line between bulb and tank. Check fuel pickup in the tank, could be blocked
Folks need to be aware that if you change your fuel line and install a new bulb , be sure to ensure that the bulb tips are inserted within the lumen of the liner inside the fuel line . Otherwise it can fold over and trap or impede fuel flow to the point of cutting out the engine. The larger the engine or the higher fuel demand the more the liner gets pulled away from the inside wall
Hi, just got a new priming bulb and it will not hold air pressure against my finger like my previous ones would. Check valve is back-leaking slightly but it still pumps. Will this be an issue on the boat, should I send back and buy another? Thank you.
Depends on how much it’s losing. Try getting it empty and shake it up and down. That might help the check valve seat. Most times the motor will pull gas no problem once it starts and the check valve might not be an issue. However All the bulbs I have had get really firm with no backflow so it’s hard to tell. Id probably get a replacement just to be sure. The last thing you want is a problem and then having to chance the issue
@@Skinnyriver tend to agree. I have had cheap bulbs so far in which the check valves hold air pressure no problem. I have spent more on this one so would expect the check valve to hold pressure, over a short duration anyway. I had tried to get the valve to seat properly with no luck I can only really see it being an issue once the engine is stopped, but would be annoying having to re-prime for every restart out on the water because the fuels drained back to tank.
Hi I recently bought a lightly used 2023 Mercury 6HP. It’s running great but it dies when idling. Even when it’s been used all day. Is there a way to adjust the idle? (I’m running it with an external tank) Many thanks!
Great video. Should priming ball loose pressure after sitting for a day or so? I always need to pump it back up after sitting for awhile. Maybe that's normal, please let me know what you think. Thanks
Yeah I think it’s normal. The ball valves that keep the gas from flowing back into the tank are probably not 100% watertight for hrs and hrs, you will probably loose some pressure
WAA 😢 I h just changed mine because hard... now with the NEW primer bulb , gas goes both ways and the bulb does not fill with gas or get hard and stop...bad check valve in a new one ??? ( arrow pointing to engine)
Hi, I have brand new mercury 4hp 4 stroke and have issue that motor runs at max 2200 rpm where manual says ~4000-5000rpm. It is on inflatable boat kolibri km330dl. I followed strictly the manual for first hours of usage. Oil is level is correct. I'm using internal fuel tank and honda fuel stabiliser for the fuel. Motor starts easy no issues there. I'm masuring rpm with tachometer wrapped around on the coil part and its measuring correct as on another motor shows correct rpm. Max speed is 10kmh, with or without passengers. What could be the problem motor to run only ro 2200 rpm? Is that normal for first 20 hours of usage before changing oil ? On neutral it revs more but I dont want to rev it higher when not on gear. Great content and videos. Thanks. :)
I think your motor is probably fine. Inflatables are generally harder to plane out and put a larger load on a motor that a flat bottom Jon boat. It’s just the nature of inflatables. Does the boat plane out really well? My motor runs at 2500 rpm until I get it to plane then it increases to 4000. If it’s not planing out look at changing the trim position (probably lower it) and put your weight in the front of the boat when you accelerate.
@@Skinnyriver Thanks. I'm new in boating and outboards and not sure when is planing exactly :D. Sometimes probably its almost planing as engine try to increase the rmp for a second and again lower the rpm to 2200 - 2250.Like a quick hit feels like. I check all the stuff like air leaks, fuel leaks and etc. all looks ok and couple of times I also think about inflatables that this is what is it :D. Will try lowest trim position and alone in boat. I tried one time alone but trim was higher and boat just go higher very quickly. Best results are one person in the front and me on the back and probably almost planing. I'm thinking to change carburator from 6hp to give it a little bit more chance for planning :) Thanks mate. Great channel and help for all outboard owners. Keep going :)
Yeah try lower trim position, by yourself and try to lean your weight forward as much as possible as you accelerate to see if it planes out. Higher trim positions can raise the front of the boat too much and it puts a large load on the motor that can prevent it from getting to those higher RPMs. When you plane out it’s like a sweet spot where the boat is kinda level but the nose is hovering above the water. Lowered water resistance = more speed
As soon as I turn my outboard off for a few minutes the bulb gets soft and the engine won't start unless I pump again. This never used to happen before. I'm guessing the bulb needs changing...?
Yeah that’s frustrating. It could be the check valve that’s letting some gas back flow into the tank. It could also be a small air leak somewhere in your system letting air in or something with your gas tank vent. I would try: ***The next time your tank is empty squeeze and shake the priming bulb. There could be something in there keeping the check valve open ***Try slightly cracking the gas tank cap to see if it still does this. If it doesn’t do it with cap slightly cracked then your vent isn’t letting air into the tank ***Not sure if this will work but with the fuel line NOT hooked up to the motor, squeeze the bulb so it’s firm. If it stays firm while not hooked up, you may have an air leak on the motor side
That’s a good question, you shouldnt have to squeeze the priming bulb after starting. It means there is an issue with your tank, bulb, filter, or fuel pump. But you may have sent too much fuel to the carb causing the motor to flood
thanks for your videos. Pre-preparing helps, but there's nothing like good old fashion experience out on the water lol. My bulb was sucking flat, not sure what was going on, I kept squeezing it and flooded the engine. Then I used your trick of starting on full throtle and it worked! So now I have your insight on what might be going wrong with the bulb, I suspect faulty air valve on the gas tank.
That was really helpful. Just changed all my fuel lines and bulb, but I could get it to prime. Watched your video and then went out and put the bulb vertical and instantly primed! Thanks
Great video, quick and to the point
I bought a new fuel line assembly with a defective bulb. It would barely push any gas, enough to fire, but not run. The seller sent me a new assembly and this one works fine! If you get a bad one, tell your seller what you did to check it and what it's doing or not doing and don't write an angry email. They'd rather keep your business and might send you another one for free like they did for me! My seller was "Overstock Boat Parts!"
Great information!!
I keep coming back to your video… boat had sat for a few years prior to me getting it. So I drained tank cleaned carbs and replaced filter. Go run it 15 minutes in bulbs flat. Replace anti syphon valve pick up tube and all new fuel lines and new pump. Tank vent is clear. Primer bulb is also new. Just went out on water and 15min in bulb is flat.
That’s crazy, it has to be upstream. Generally bulbs going flat has to be a blockage or issue between the tank side of the bulb to the tank vent. This creates low pressure at the bulb. But it sounds like you checked everything.. try cracking the fuel cap just to rule out venting issue. Hold bulb vertical and shake it before priming to get the check valves in position. If you haven’t, change the fuel line between bulb and tank. Check fuel pickup in the tank, could be blocked
Folks need to be aware that if you change your fuel line and install a new bulb , be sure to ensure that the bulb tips are inserted within the lumen of the liner inside the fuel line . Otherwise it can fold over and trap or impede fuel flow to the point of cutting out the engine. The larger the engine or the higher fuel demand the more the liner gets pulled away from the inside wall
Great point thanks!
Hi, just got a new priming bulb and it will not hold air pressure against my finger like my previous ones would. Check valve is back-leaking slightly but it still pumps. Will this be an issue on the boat, should I send back and buy another? Thank you.
Depends on how much it’s losing. Try getting it empty and shake it up and down. That might help the check valve seat. Most times the motor will pull gas no problem once it starts and the check valve might not be an issue.
However All the bulbs I have had get really firm with no backflow so it’s hard to tell. Id probably get a replacement just to be sure. The last thing you want is a problem and then having to chance the issue
@@Skinnyriver tend to agree. I have had cheap bulbs so far in which the check valves hold air pressure no problem. I have spent more on this one so would expect the check valve to hold pressure, over a short duration anyway. I had tried to get the valve to seat properly with no luck
I can only really see it being an issue once the engine is stopped, but would be annoying having to re-prime for every restart out on the water because the fuels drained back to tank.
Thanks buddy, that's how it is done.
Hi I recently bought a lightly used 2023 Mercury 6HP. It’s running great but it dies when idling. Even when it’s been used all day. Is there a way to adjust the idle? (I’m running it with an external tank) Many thanks!
Yeah there is an idle adjustment screw on the carb. Look up idle speed screw or fuel air mixture screw and you will know what it looks like
Holy cow a 2023 and there's issues. I'll never get my 88 right
Great video. Should priming ball loose pressure after sitting for a day or so?
I always need to pump it back up after sitting for awhile. Maybe that's normal, please let me know what you think.
Thanks
Yeah I think it’s normal. The ball valves that keep the gas from flowing back into the tank are probably not 100% watertight for hrs and hrs, you will probably loose some pressure
***check valves are probably not 100% watertight for hrs so you will lose some pressure overtime
Good info. Thank you
Thanks for the view!!
WAA 😢 I h just changed mine because hard... now with the NEW primer bulb , gas goes both ways and the bulb does not fill with gas or get hard and stop...bad check valve in a new one ??? ( arrow pointing to engine)
Yeah maybe, hold it vertical and shake it. Sometimes that help get the check valve ball back in position
Could this bulb be the cause of my outboard wanting to turn off at idle after a while?
It could be, does the bulb go soft or suck in flat???
@skinnyriver, yes. After a few minutes it will still out and the bulb is softer. Pump it back up and it runs great
Hi, I have brand new mercury 4hp 4 stroke and have issue that motor runs at max 2200 rpm where manual says ~4000-5000rpm. It is on inflatable boat kolibri km330dl. I followed strictly the manual for first hours of usage. Oil is level is correct. I'm using internal fuel tank and honda fuel stabiliser for the fuel. Motor starts easy no issues there. I'm masuring rpm with tachometer wrapped around on the coil part and its measuring correct as on another motor shows correct rpm. Max speed is 10kmh, with or without passengers. What could be the problem motor to run only ro 2200 rpm? Is that normal for first 20 hours of usage before changing oil ? On neutral it revs more but I dont want to rev it higher when not on gear.
Great content and videos. Thanks. :)
I think your motor is probably fine. Inflatables are generally harder to plane out and put a larger load on a motor that a flat bottom Jon boat. It’s just the nature of inflatables. Does the boat plane out really well? My motor runs at 2500 rpm until I get it to plane then it increases to 4000.
If it’s not planing out look at changing the trim position (probably lower it) and put your weight in the front of the boat when you accelerate.
@@Skinnyriver Thanks. I'm new in boating and outboards and not sure when is planing exactly :D. Sometimes probably its almost planing as engine try to increase the rmp for a second and again lower the rpm to 2200 - 2250.Like a quick hit feels like. I check all the stuff like air leaks, fuel leaks and etc. all looks ok and couple of times I also think about inflatables that this is what is it :D. Will try lowest trim position and alone in boat. I tried one time alone but trim was higher and boat just go higher very quickly. Best results are one person in the front and me on the back and probably almost planing. I'm thinking to change carburator from 6hp to give it a little bit more chance for planning :) Thanks mate. Great channel and help for all outboard owners. Keep going :)
Yeah try lower trim position, by yourself and try to lean your weight forward as much as possible as you accelerate to see if it planes out. Higher trim positions can raise the front of the boat too much and it puts a large load on the motor that can prevent it from getting to those higher RPMs. When you plane out it’s like a sweet spot where the boat is kinda level but the nose is hovering above the water. Lowered water resistance = more speed
@@Skinnyriver I see now why some people extend gas handle to the middle of the boat :)
Hello Skinny River , Is there a problem if the priming pump is punctured? Can I encounter problems with my engine?
Usually if it’s punctured it won’t keep the system primed (pressured) or it will simply leak gas. I would replace, they are cheap
I ask because I was driving the engine at maximum speed and it stopped suddenly and I don't know why (it's about a engine Honda 5 hp 2018)
@rebleanurobert5360 man I doubt the priming bulb would cause your engine to just die. You would probably have issues before the motor got up to speed
As soon as I turn my outboard off for a few minutes the bulb gets soft and the engine won't start unless I pump again. This never used to happen before. I'm guessing the bulb needs changing...?
Yeah that’s frustrating. It could be the check valve that’s letting some gas back flow into the tank. It could also be a small air leak somewhere in your system letting air in or something with your gas tank vent. I would try:
***The next time your tank is empty squeeze and shake the priming bulb. There could be something in there keeping the check valve open
***Try slightly cracking the gas tank cap to see if it still does this. If it doesn’t do it with cap slightly cracked then your vent isn’t letting air into the tank
***Not sure if this will work but with the fuel line NOT hooked up to the motor, squeeze the bulb so it’s firm. If it stays firm while not hooked up, you may have an air leak on the motor side
@@Skinnyriver Thanks for these tips i'll give it a try.
Great tips
Thanks for the view!
Good video, nice and to the point. Now if I can just find someone with a boat :-)
Ha ha yeah always best to have a friend with a boat than owning one yourself!!!
I've got a boat I'm going to part with... Good Video!
external low psi elec fuel pump
Hi what happens if i squeeze primer bulb while the motor runs and the motor dies
That’s a good question, you shouldnt have to squeeze the priming bulb after starting. It means there is an issue with your tank, bulb, filter, or fuel pump. But you may have sent too much fuel to the carb causing the motor to flood
First