Priming bulb before each engine start

[sparkie78]

I've got a 1995 40HP 2 stroke mercury outboard. While on the lake, if the engine is off for 30 minutes or more, I've got to squeeze the primer bulb until it's hard or it won't start. Or, if it does start, it dies as soon as I put it in gear. The bulb usually still has gas in it and it only requires 3 or 4 squeezes to make it hard. If it's been off for 2 to 3 hours, it takes many more squeezes. As I understand it, priming the bulb fills the carburetor bowl and the gas line. So why would I be losing gas from the carb bowl to the point where it won't start? There is no sign of gas leakage in the engine compartment. This engine has 2 carburetors. I replaced the primer bulb a couple of years ago. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mgj4135]

Try to keep the arrow on the fuel bulb pointed up. The ball check valve in the bulb uses gravity to keep it closed on some.

 

[tootallofwa]

I think it's your fuel pump. If there is a vacuum leak the fuel won't stay in the line.