fastjeff
Gold Medal Contributor
"Many a bad starting outboard
"Many a bad starting outboard motor is caused by a "soft" fuel bulb--my Merc 200 976 comes to mind. After I corrected this problem (see below) the motor fires right up every time.
Here's the deal: If you have air in the fuel line, it will cause the "soft" bulb problem and needs to be purged. Running the motor doesn't necessarily get it out of there--the stubborn air molecules will hang up in the primer bulb and cause all kinds of trouble. (You'd think they would work their way outta there, wouldn't you?)
The following technique removes the little ~@$%^* and makes starting much better:
Take a rod (about 1/4 inch OD) and poke the check valve in the female fuel line connector open against the spring. Then pump the bulb a few times until gas sloshes out and release. Next, hook the connector up to the motor and try it. You'll notice immediately that the bulb (if it had air in it) is nice and hard. (If not, do it again.) It'll stay this way unless you run the tank dry. If so, you'll have to repeat the procedure.
Jeff
PS to Andrew: This would make a good Q & A topic, yes?"
"Many a bad starting outboard motor is caused by a "soft" fuel bulb--my Merc 200 976 comes to mind. After I corrected this problem (see below) the motor fires right up every time.
Here's the deal: If you have air in the fuel line, it will cause the "soft" bulb problem and needs to be purged. Running the motor doesn't necessarily get it out of there--the stubborn air molecules will hang up in the primer bulb and cause all kinds of trouble. (You'd think they would work their way outta there, wouldn't you?)
The following technique removes the little ~@$%^* and makes starting much better:
Take a rod (about 1/4 inch OD) and poke the check valve in the female fuel line connector open against the spring. Then pump the bulb a few times until gas sloshes out and release. Next, hook the connector up to the motor and try it. You'll notice immediately that the bulb (if it had air in it) is nice and hard. (If not, do it again.) It'll stay this way unless you run the tank dry. If so, you'll have to repeat the procedure.
Jeff
PS to Andrew: This would make a good Q & A topic, yes?"