Replacing Fuel Primer Bulb: A Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing a fuel primer bulb is a common small engine repair, as the primer bulbs, made of plastic or rubber, tend to wear out over time. Primer bulbs are important as they help fill the carburettor with the correct amount of fuel. If your primer bulb is not creating proper suction, has a crack, or is not creating pressure when pressed, you may need to replace it. This can be done by first accessing the carburettor and removing the old primer bulb. Then, you must clean the carburettor and primer bulb components before installing the new primer bulb and remounting the carburettor.

Characteristics of replacing a fuel primer bulb

When to replace: cracked, worn, broken, or not creating pressure

Primer bulbs are important because they help fill the carburetor with the correct amount of fuel by pulling fuel through the fuel line. They are usually made of plastic or rubber and are prone to wear and tear.

You should replace your primer bulb if it is cracked, worn, or broken. The sun can also damage the rubber, so it is recommended to change the bulb every four years, or more frequently if your boat is often exposed to sunlight. Additionally, replace the bulb if it is not creating pressure when you press it or if it is not creating proper suction. This could be due to a faulty check valve, which can cause the fuel to leak back down.

If your primer bulb is not functioning properly, it could lead to fuel or filter issues, and your motor may run for a few minutes and then die. It is also important to note that fuel and its vapors are highly flammable and explosive, so always exercise caution when handling fuel and refer to the engine and equipment manuals before performing any maintenance or repairs.

How to remove: press in from both sides, then pry out

To remove the primer bulb, start by pressing in from both sides of the primer bulb cavity. This will release the retainer tabs. Once the retainer tabs are released, you can pry out the retainer and remove the bulb from the primer seat groove.

You can use a crochet hook or another type of hook to remove the primer seat. When you remove the primer seat, the ball and spring will fall out. It is important to note that you should not stretch, bend, or compress the primer spring.

If needed, you can use a Primer Bulb Replacement Tool to make the removal process quicker and easier. This tool is available from Briggs & Stratton with part number 19461.

Overall, the removal process is straightforward and can be completed by following the steps outlined above.

Removing fuel lines: prevent excess leaking, then detach with a screwdriver

To remove the fuel lines, first, clamp the fuel line leading out of the primer bulb. This will prevent excess fuel from leaking during the repair. You can use a pair of inexpensive hemostats or any clamping tool that doesn't damage the fuel lines.

Next, you can remove the fuel lines from the old primer bulb. You will need a screwdriver for this step. Simply press the fuel lines onto the new primer bulb by hand, and then unclamp the return line.

Now, you can remove the old primer bulb. Most remote primer bulbs are attached to plastic tabs that snap into a mount ring. To remove the old primer bulb from the mount ring, squeeze the tabs that hold it in place while simultaneously pulling the bulb away from the ring. Needle-nose pliers are the best tool for this step.

Finally, you can install the new primer bulb. The mount tabs on the back of the new primer bulb should snap right into place in the mount ring. Sometimes, the tabs can be too tight to snap in by hand, so try turning the engine so that gravity is on your side. Then, carefully use a flat-head screwdriver to press the mount tabs inside the mount ring.

Reinstalling fuel lines: press onto new bulb, unclamp return line

To reinstall the fuel lines, first, press them onto the new bulb by hand. Then, unclamp the return line.

This step is part of the process of replacing a primer bulb. Primer bulbs are important because they help fill the carburettor with the correct amount of fuel. They do this by pulling fuel through the fuel line. They are usually made of plastic or rubber and are therefore one of the most common small engine repairs.

When replacing a primer bulb, the first step is to access the carburettor. This can be done by removing the air cleaner cover and the air filter, and then unscrewing the two carburettor mount screws. Once the carburettor is accessible, the old primer bulb can be removed. It is important to be prepared for a small amount of fuel to leak out.

After the old primer bulb has been removed, the carburettor and primer bulb components should be cleaned, taking care to wipe away any dirt and oil. The new primer bulb can then be installed. Finally, the carburettor can be remounted, and the air filter and air cleaner cover replaced.

Tools: use a crochet hook or Primer Bulb Replacement Tool

When replacing a primer bulb, you can use a crochet hook or a Primer Bulb Replacement Tool. The former is a more DIY-friendly option, while the latter is a specialised tool that can be purchased.

Using a Crochet Hook

A crochet hook can be used to remove the primer seat. First, press in from both sides of the primer bulb cavity to release the retainer tabs. Then, pry out the retainer and remove the bulb from the primer seat groove. Finally, use the crochet hook to remove the primer seat; the ball and spring will fall out, so be careful not to stretch, bend, or compress the primer spring.

Using a Primer Bulb Replacement Tool

The Primer Bulb Replacement Tool by Briggs & Stratton, with the part number 19461, can be used to quickly and easily remove the primer bulb. This specialised tool is designed as a direct replacement part for specific products, so be sure to check your machinery's parts diagram or the manufacturer's website for compatibility.

While standard mechanic tools can be used to replace a primer bulb, these specialised tools can make the job much easier and faster.

Frequently asked questions